GUNTHER
Gunther
Gunther is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin that can be traced back to medieval times in England. Derived from the Old English name "Gundheard," Gunther signifies a person who is brave or bold in battle.
Origin
The surname Gunther is believed to have been brought to England by Germanic settlers during the Anglo-Saxon period. It is derived from the personal name Gundheard, with "gund" meaning "battle" and "heard" meaning "brave" or "hardy."
Distribution
The surname Gunther is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with most occurrences found in regions with historical connections to Anglo-Saxon settlements.
Notable Bearers
- Sigurd Gunther - A notable figure in British history, known for his valour in the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
- Elsa Gunther - A prominent scholar and linguist, credited with preserving ancient Anglo-Saxon texts.
Modern Significance
In contemporary times, the surname Gunther is associated with individuals of English or German ancestry, reflecting a proud lineage rooted in the martial virtues of bravery and courage.
References
- P. H. Reaney, "A Dictionary of English Surnames" (Oxford University Press, 1997).
- K. Faull, D. M. Stroll, "A Dictionary of English Medieval Surnames" (British Academy, 2009).
There are approximately 478 people named Gunther in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Gunther.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- Clive
- David
- John
- Julian
- Marcelo
- Mark
- Martin
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Antje
- Brenda
- Carmen
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- Jean
- Katherine
- Margaret
- Pamela
- Peggy
- Rebecca
- Susan
- Teresa
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.