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Last Name Dunal

What is the origin of the last name Dunal?

The surname Dunal is of French origin, derived from the Old French word "dunal" meaning "dune" or "sand hill." It is believed to have originally been a topographic name for someone who lived near a sandy hill or dune. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone who had a sandy or dune-like complexion.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Dunal

The meaning and origin of the last name Dunal

The surname Dunal is of French origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French word "dun," meaning brown. The name may have originally been a nickname for someone with brown hair, complexion, or who lived in an area with brown soil. Another possible origin is from the Gaelic name "Dónall," which is a variation of the name Donald. The surname Dunal is relatively rare and is mainly found in France and other French-speaking regions. Over time, variations of the surname may have developed, such as Duneau or Dunault. Today, individuals with the surname Dunal can be found all over the world, particularly in countries with French influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dunal

The last name Dunal is relatively rare and is most commonly found in France. The highest concentration of individuals with the surname Dunal can be found in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, particularly in the departments of Haute-Savoie and Savoie. There are also smaller numbers of individuals with the surname Dunal scattered throughout various other regions of France, such as Île-de-France and Brittany. Outside of France, the surname Dunal is extremely uncommon, with only a handful of individuals bearing the name in other countries around the world. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Dunal is primarily concentrated in France, particularly in the regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Haute-Savoie, and Savoie.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dunal

The last name Dunal can be spelled in various ways including Dunall, Duhnal, Dunnal, Dunaal, Dounal, and Doneal. These variations may have stemmed from different pronunciations or transliterations of the name over time. Additionally, regional accents and dialects could have influenced the spelling of the surname. It is also possible that some of these spellings are the result of clerical errors or misspellings on official documents or records. Despite the variations in spelling, individuals with any of these variations of the last name are likely to be part of the same family or share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Dunal

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Genealogical research on the last name Dunal

The surname Dunal is of French origin, specifically from the region of Brittany. The name is believed to derive from the Old French word "dunal" meaning "hill", suggesting that the original bearers of this surname may have lived near a hill or hilly area. Genealogical research on the Dunal surname reveals that the earliest documented instances of this name date back to the 17th century in France. Over the years, the Dunal family spread to other countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, where descendants can still be found today. Variants of the name include Dunois and Dunais. Those interested in tracing their Dunal ancestry may find records in church registers, census data, and immigration documents to piece together their family history.

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

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