Dunwoody

Dunwoody is a surname of Scottish origin that is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States. The name is believed to be locational, originating from the village of Dunwoodie or from the Old English words "dun," meaning hill, and "wudu," meaning wood.

History

The Dunwoody family is known to have had a long and rich history, with records of the surname dating back to the medieval period in Scotland. The name is associated with various notable individuals, including military figures, politicians, and academics.

One of the most prominent figures with the surname Dunwoody is Mary Teresa Dunwoody, Baroness Dunwoody of Hertford, who was a British Labour Party politician. She served as a Member of Parliament for over 34 years and was known for her dedication to transport issues.

Distribution

The Dunwoody surname has spread beyond Scotland to other parts of the United Kingdom and abroad, particularly to the United States, where it is also found. The name's migration can be attributed to factors such as emigration, employment opportunities, and marriage.

Notable Individuals

  • Mary Teresa Dunwoody, Baroness Dunwoody of Hertford - British politician
  • Charles Dunwoody - American television journalist
  • William Dunwoody - Scottish-born American landowner and philanthropist

Variants

Variants of the Dunwoody surname include Dunwoodie and Dunwood. These variations may have arisen due to different dialects, spelling conventions, or pronunciation differences over time.

In conclusion, the Dunwoody surname is a significant part of British and Scottish genealogy, with a diverse range of individuals contributing to various fields. The name's historical roots and widespread distribution make it a noteworthy aspect of British surnames.

There are approximately 326 people named Dunwoody in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Dunwoody.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Ireland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Christopher
  • David
  • George
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Steven
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Evelyn
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Josephine
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Vivienne

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.