Last Name Lunde

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lunde

The meaning and origin of the last name Lunde

The surname Lunde originates from Scandinavian roots, specifically Norwegian and Danish, where it is derived from the Old Norse word "lundr" which means "grove" or "small forest". It has been used as a topographical name to denote someone who lived near a grove or woodland. The surname Lunde can also be found in Iceland and Faroe Islands, demonstrating its widespread use among the Scandinavian population. Over time, various spelling variations have arisen due to differences in translation, migration, and recording methods such as "Lund", "Lundt", "Lundqvist", and others. Today, the Lunde surname is found primarily in Norway, Denmark, and among Scandinavian diaspora communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lunde

The surname Lunde is predominantly of Norwegian origin and is widely distributed throughout Norway, particularly in the county of Rogaland and the city of Stavanger. It is also common in the neighboring counties of Hordaland and Vestfold. In addition to Norway, the name Lunde can be found in other Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark, although less frequently. Beyond Europe, there are pockets of Lundes in North America, primarily due to immigration from Scandinavia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington. A smaller number of individuals with the surname Lunde can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, likely as a result of further emigration from Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lunde

The surname Lunde has several variants and spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and local dialects. Some common versions include:

1. Lundé (with an acute accent on the 'e') - a Norwegian variant.
2. Lundå (with an 'å' instead of 'e') - another Norwegian version.
3. Lunde (without diacritics) - widely used in Norway, but also found in other Scandinavian countries and among people with Norwegian heritage.
4. Von Lunde - a Germanized form, where "von" is an honorific prefix added to noble surnames.
5. De Lunde - a Danish patronymic form meaning 'son of Lund'.
6. Delunde - another Danish variant with a modified spelling.
7. Lund (without the final 'e') - a more common Scandinavian name that shares the same origin, but has been simplified over time.

Famous people with the last name Lunde

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lunde include:

1. Kjetil Jansrud Lunde (born 1986), a Norwegian alpine ski racer who won two Olympic gold medals, three World Championship golds, and numerous World Cup titles.
2. Marit Bjørgen Lunde (born 1980), another Norwegian skier who is the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time with 15 Olympic medals, including eight golds.
3. Svein Arne Pettersen Lunde (born 1967), a Norwegian cross-country skier who won multiple World Championship and Olympic gold medals during his career.
4. Eivind Lunde (born 1985), a Norwegian musician who is the lead singer of the band Kaizers Orchestra, known for their distinctive blend of punk rock and cabaret music.
5. Anne-Sophie Crone Lunde (born 1975), a Norwegian classical composer whose works have been performed by ensembles such as the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

These individuals excel in various fields, demonstrating the versatility and talent of those with the surname Lunde.

Genealogical research on the last name Lunde

The surname Lunde originates from Norway and is derived from the Old Norse word "lundr," meaning "grove" or "woodland." It is common in several regions of Norway, with high concentrations in Møre og Romsdal and Rogaland counties. The name has also been recorded in Sweden, Denmark, and the United States due to immigration waves. In Norway, notable bearers of the Lunde surname include Tormod Torsteinsson Lunde, a 13th-century chieftain and a key figure in the Heimskringla saga, and Knut Lunde, a prominent Norwegian politician who served as Minister of Defense during World War II. In the United States, notable individuals with the surname Lunde include John G. Lunde, who served as the 28th Mayor of Minneapolis from 1974 to 1978, and David H. Lunde, an American physicist known for his work on plasma physics and fusion power.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lunde"
• 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 : 23 July 2025