NomOrigine Background

Last Name Dun

What is the origin of the last name Dun?

The last name "Dun" has multiple possible origins. 1. One possible origin is that it is an English surname derived from the Old English word "dunn," which means "dark-colored" or "swarthy." It may have originally been a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion. 2. Another possible origin is that it is a Scottish or Irish surname derived from the Gaelic word "dun," meaning "fort" or "stronghold." This could indicate that the original bearer of the surname lived near a fort or stronghold. 3. It is also possible that the surname "Dun" has other origins in different languages or cultures, as surnames can have multiple meanings and origins.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dun

The meaning and origin of the last name Dun

The surname Dun is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "duine," meaning "brown" or "dark." It is believed to have been a descriptive nickname given to someone with dark hair or complexion. The name may also have been used to describe someone who lived near a hill or fort, as "dun" can also refer to a fortification or hill in Gaelic. The surname is commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, where it has been passed down through generations. Over time, variations of the name, such as Dunn or Dunne, have also emerged. Today, individuals with the surname Dun may have ancestors who were known for their dark features or who lived near prominent hills or fortifications.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dun

The last name Dun is primarily found in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas, California, and Florida. It is also present in smaller concentrations in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The surname Dun is of Scottish origin and is believed to be derived from the Gaelic word "dun," meaning a fortified hill or fortress. The name may have originally been a locational surname, indicating a person who lived near or worked at a dun. As such, it is possible that the distribution of the Dun surname is influenced by historical migration patterns from Scotland to the United States and other English-speaking countries. Today, individuals with the last name Dun can be found in various professions and industries across the globe, contributing to the diverse and multicultural nature of society.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dun

The last name Dun can have multiple variations and spellings, including Dunn, Dunning, Dune, Dunes, Dunne, Duni, Duna, Dunson, Dunt, and Duntz. These variations may be due to differences in pronunciation, regional accents, or changes in spelling over time. While some of these variations may be more common than others, they all stem from the original spelling of Dun. As with many surnames, the spelling of Dun may have evolved as families migrated to different regions or as individuals chose to alter the spelling for personal or cultural reasons. Regardless of the specific variation or spelling, the name Dun carries its own unique history and lineage that connects individuals to their ancestors and heritage.

Famous people with the last name Dun

One of the most famous figures with the last name Dun is actor and comedian Jeff Dunham. Known for his ventriloquism skills and hilarious characters like Walter, Achmed, and Peanut, Dunham has become a household name in the world of comedy. Another notable individual with the last name Dun is actress Irene Dunne. With a career spanning over four decades, Dunne starred in films such as "The Awful Truth" and "Show Boat", earning multiple Academy Award nominations for her performances. Additionally, musician and producer Ian Dunlop, best known for his work with the Australian band Daddy Cool, has made a significant impact on the music industry. These individuals with the last name Dun have each left their mark on their respective fields, showcasing talent, creativity, and dedication to their craft.

Genealogical research on the last name Dun

The surname Dun is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word "dunn" meaning dark or swarthy. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion. The Dun family name can be traced back to medieval England, and is primarily found in the regions of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Westmorland. Early records show individuals with the surname Dun holding occupations such as farmers, laborers, and tradesmen. Over time, the Dun family spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and eventually to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, individuals with the surname Dun can be found across the globe, with variations in spelling such as Dunn and Dunne.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Dunas (Last name)

surnames > dunas

The last name "Dunas" has Portuguese origins. It is derived from the word "duna," which means sand dune in Portuguese. It is likely that the name was originally used to describe so...

Duncan williams-browne (Last name)

surnames > duncan-williams-browne

The last name "Duncan" originated from the Gaelic name "Dúnchad," which means "brown warrior." "Williams" is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "William," meaning "r...

Dundgula (Last name)

surnames > dundgula

The surname Dundgula has its origin in Eastern Europe. It is likely of Slavic or Baltic origin, with possible connections to a geographic location or a distinctive feature of the o...

Duneuf-jardin (Last name)

surnames > duneuf-jardin

The last name "Duneuf Jardin" is of French origin. It is a compound surname, with "Duneuf" likely meaning "the new" and "Jardin" meaning "garden" in French.

Dungao (Last name)

surnames > dungao

The last name Dungao is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Tagalog word "Dungaw," which means "to look up" or "to gaze at."

Dungarmal (Last name)

surnames > dungarmal

The last name "Dungarmal" is of Indian origin and is most commonly found among those of the Sindhi community. It is a combination of the words "dunga," meaning "drum," and "mal," m...

Dungav (Last name)

surnames > dungav

The last name "Dungav" appears to have an Irish origin. It may be derived from the Irish Gaelic surname "Ó Dúnghaile," meaning "descendant of Dúngal."

Dungi (Last name)

surnames > dungi

The last name "Dungi" is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the word "dungă," which means "stripe" or "line" in Romanian. This surname may have been used to describe someone w...

Dungmenchha (Last name)

surnames > dungmenchha

The last name "Dungmenchha" is of Tibetan origin.

Dungo (Last name)

surnames > dungo

The surname "Dungo" is of African origin. It is most likely derived from a specific ethnic group or tribe within Africa.

Dunica (Last name)

surnames > dunica

The surname "Dunica" is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the Hungarian word "dunai," which means "of the Danube river." This surname is likely to have originally been used t...

Dunier (Last name)

surnames > dunier

The origin of the last name "Dunier" is uncertain and not well-documented. It may have roots in various European countries such as France or Germany. The name could be derived from...

Duniya (Last name)

surnames > duniya

The last name "Duniya" originates from the Arabic word "dunya," which means "the world" or "the earthly life." It is commonly used in Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim pop...

Dunling (Last name)

surnames > dunling

The origin of the last name "Dunling" is not widely known or documented. It is possible that it could be of English or Scandinavian origin, given the linguistic characteristics of ...

Dunn new (Last name)

surnames > dunn-new

The surname Dunn is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Gaelic word "dun," meaning "brown" or "dark," and was used as a descriptive nickname for someone with dark hair o...