DUNSTER
Dunster
Dunster is a medieval English locational surname derived from the village of Dunster located in Somerset, South West England. The village of Dunster is well-known for its picturesque medieval castle, Dunster Castle, which stands on a steep hill above the village.
Origins and Meaning
The surname Dunster is believed to have originally been used to denote a person who came from or lived near the village of Dunster in Somerset. The name itself is thought to derive from the Old English words 'dun' meaning hill and 'ster' meaning settlement, reflecting the hilly setting of the village.
Historical Significance
The Dunster surname dates back to the medieval period in England, with records showing its use as early as the 13th century. The Dunster family played a prominent role in the local community, often holding positions of authority or owning land in the village and surrounding areas.
Notable Individuals
Dame Barbara Dunster (1898–1976) – A respected philanthropist known for her charitable work in Somerset and contributions to local causes.
Thomas Dunster (c. 1520–1586) – An influential figure in the village of Dunster during the Tudor period, known for his role in the local government and land management.
Modern-Day
While the Dunster surname is less common in modern times, descendants of the original Dunster families can still be found in Somerset and other parts of England. The name continues to be a link to the rich history of the village of Dunster and its surrounding area.
References:
- P.H. Reaney, R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.
- Somerset Heritage Centre, The Dunster Family Papers, Accessed online.
There are approximately 1,279 people named Dunster in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,094th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Dunster.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Sean
- Stephen
Female
- Daphne
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Joan
- Karen
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Rosemary
- Sara
- Sarah
- Susan
- Valerie
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.