Dunn

Origin: The surname Dunn is of English and Scottish origin and is derived from the Old English word "dunn," meaning dark-colored or brown. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone with dark hair, complexion, or who lived near a brownish hill or valley.

History: The Dunn surname can be traced back to ancient times in the British Isles. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 12th century. The Dunn family was historically found in various regions in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Variants: Variations of the Dunn surname include Dunne, Dun, and Dune.

Notable Individuals: The Dunn surname is associated with various notable individuals throughout history, including athletes, musicians, authors, and public figures. Some noteworthy individuals bearing the surname Dunn include:

  • John Dunn (1833-1895): A British missionary and explorer in southern Africa.
  • Joseph Dunn (1931-2011): An English football player who played for several clubs in the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Nell Dunn (b. 1936): A British playwright and author known for her works on social issues.

Modern Distribution: The Dunn surname remains prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Coat of Arms: The Dunn family coat of arms typically features symbols such as a shield with a brown background and various heraldic elements that represent the family's history and values.

Famous Dunn Families: Various notable Dunn families have emerged over the centuries, with some establishing legacies in politics, business, and the arts.

The Dunn surname holds a rich history and continues to be a prominent name within British and global communities.

There are approximately 45,092 people named Dunn in the UK. That makes it the 158th most common surname in Britain. Around 692 in a million people in Britain are named Dunn.

Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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