Surname Dunbarr - Meaning and Origin
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Dunbarr: What does the surname Dunbarr mean?
The surname Dunbarr is of Scottish origin and is believed to have been derived from the place named "Dunbar" located on the eastern coast of Scotland. The name Dunbar itself is formed from two Gaelic words: "dun," meaning "fort," and "barr," meaning "summit" or "top." So, in essence, Dunbarr can be translated to mean "fort on the top." The place was so named because of a fort that was once located on a high point along the coast. The surname Dunbarr, similar to other surnames originating from place names, would have likely been used to refer to individuals hailing from that particular region. Variations of the name include Dunbar, Dunbare, Dunber, Dunbor, and many more. These surnames are traditionally associated with Clan Dunbar, a Scottish clan associated with the town and castle of Dunbar.
Order DNA origin analysisDunbarr: Where does the name Dunbarr come from?
The last name Dunbarr is a variant of the Scottish surname Dunbar. It originates from the place name Dunbar, derived from the Gaelic elements 'dùn' meaning 'fort' and 'barr' meaning 'top' referring to the location of the town on a hilltop or summit. The town is situated on the southeastern coast of Scotland.
The Dunbar family was historically one of the most influential noble families in Scotland. The Earl of Dunbar was a significant title in the Peerage of Scotland in the Middle Ages, which gave the surname widespread recognition.
Though ship records suggest some Dunbars/Dunbarrs migrated to America and Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is still most common in Scotland. Other areas with significant populations include England, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, even in these countries, it is relatively rare. The spelling variant Dunbarr is even less common than Dunbar, with fewer than 100 individuals possessing this name in the U.S., according to recent census data. As with many families, people with the Dunbarr surname can now be found around the world due to migration and intermarriage.
Variations of the surname Dunbarr
The surname Dunbarr originates from the British Isles, primarily Scotland. It is believed to be locational, derived from the town of Dunbar on the east coast of Scotland. The term "Dunbar" translates to "castle headland" in Gaelic, a fitting description for the town's geological setting.
Alternate spellings and variants of this surname have evolved over time, due to a combination of regional dialects and periods of mass immigration when names were often Anglicized. Variants of Dunbarr include Dunbar, Dunbare, Dunbard, Dunbaer, and Dunber.
It is also common to find variations that tweak the prefix of the name, such as variations that replace "Dun" with "Don" (Donbar, Donbarr) or "Den" (Denbar, Denbarr).
There are also surnames that although spelled differently, have the same meaning and could be said to be of the same origin. An example of this is Dumbarton, which also refers to a "fort" in Scotland.
It's worth noting that no matter the variant or spelling, all these surnames historically refer back to a Scottish lineage and carry a reference to the geographical roots of the town of Dunbar.
Famous people with the name Dunbarr
- Jordin Dunbar: American football linebacker
- Kayla Dunbar: Canadian musician
- Rebekah Dunbar: Australian actress
- Richard Dunbar: English author
- John Dunbar: American actor
- Colin Dunbar: Scottish-born philanthropist
- Michael Dunbar: English cricketer
- Arthur Dunbar: Scottish historian and geologist
- Bill Dunbar: Scottish painter
- David Dunbar: Canadian-born American soldier