Last Name Hunn

The surname "Hunn" is of Old English and Old Norse origin. In Old English, it is derived from the word "hunta," which means "hunter." In Old Norse, it comes from the word "húna-r," meaning "battle-ready" or "warrior." Over time, this surname spread throughout England and Scandinavia due to Viking invasions and migrations. The name was often given to someone who had a warlike character or profession, such as a hunter or warrior. Today, the surname Hunn is most common in northern England, especially Yorkshire, but can also be found in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hunn

The meaning and origin of the last name Hunn

The surname Hunn is primarily of English origin, though it can also be found in various forms across other European countries such as Hungary and Germany. The name is believed to have origins that can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where it was a byname for someone who had red or auburn hair, as "hunn" comes from the Old English word "hun," which means "red." However, in some instances, the name could also denote a person who was associated with the Huns, an East Asian nomadic people known for their invasions during the Migration Period in Europe. Over time, the surname Hunn has spread across regions and evolved in various forms, reflecting the migration patterns of its bearers throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hunn

The surname Hunn has a predominantly European distribution, with concentrations in Germany, England, and Scotland. In Germany, it is particularly common in the states of Baden-Württemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia, reflecting its probable origin from these regions. In England, the highest frequencies are found in East Anglia, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands. In Scotland, it is mainly found in the Central Lowlands, with a significant cluster around Perthshire and Fife. The surname Hunn is also present in smaller numbers in other European countries such as Poland, Sweden, and Norway, as well as in North America (primarily Canada and the United States), where it is often of German or English origin. The distribution pattern suggests that the name may have origins dating back to the early medieval period in Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hunn

The surname Hunn has various spelling variants, all originating from the Old English word "hunta," meaning hunter. Some common variations include: Hun, Hune, Hunne, Hunnay, Hunna, Hoon, Hoone, Hoonah, and Houna. These variations may have arisen due to phonetic spelling differences, migration patterns, or simply individual preference over the centuries. It is worth noting that while these are recognized variations of the surname Hunn, the most common form is typically "Hunn" or "Hun." As with many surnames, it is essential to consider regional and historical context when examining spelling variants.

Famous people with the last name Hunn

Notable individuals with the surname Hunn include:

* Charles Robert Hunn (born 1962), an American actor best known for his roles in "The X-Files" and "Nikita."
* John David Hunn (born 1968), a British-American actor, director, and writer, who starred in "Battlestar Galactica" and "Supernatural."
* Michael Hunn (born 1971), an American singer-songwriter and record producer, known for his work with R&B group Immature and solo projects.
* Robert Hunn (1862-1935), a British author and poet who wrote extensively on mysticism and philosophy.
* Thomas Hunn (1787–1840), an English surgeon, known for his work in the field of ophthalmology and his invention of a new type of microscope.

Genealogical research on the last name Hunn

The surname Hunn is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "hun," meaning "honey" or "bee." Early bearers of this name can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086 in England, where some of the earliest recorded instances include: Aelmer Hune and Godric Hun. Over the centuries, variations in spelling have arisen, such as Hone, Honne, Houn, and Honn, due to factors like regional dialects and the transition from Old English to Middle English. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Robert Hunn, a 17th-century Welsh composer, and George Hunn, an early settler in America who arrived in Virginia in the 1630s. The Hunn family tree has branches in England, Wales, and America, with notable concentrations in counties such as Kent, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire in England.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hunn"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 June 2025

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