Summary

The surname Dunbar has Scottish origins and is derived from a place name in Berwickshire, Scotland. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic words 'dùn' meaning 'fortress' and 'barr' meaning 'top'. The Dunbar family is said to have held lands and a castle in Dunbar during medieval times. Over the years, the surname has spread to other parts of the world through migration and has become relatively common.
There are
26405
Dunbars in the USA
Dunbar is the
1335th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Dunbar

WilliamDunbar

William Dunbar was a Scottish poet of the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is often considered one of the greatest medieval Scottish poets and was known for his diverse range of themes and styles.

PaulLaurence

Paul Laurence Dunbar was an American poet, novelist, and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was one of the first African-American poets to gain national recognition and was known for his dialect poems.

HelenDunbar

Helen Dunbar was an American stage and film actress of the early 20th century. She appeared in numerous Broadway plays and silent films, often playing character roles.

GavinDunbar

Gavin Dunbar was a Scottish prelate who served as Archbishop of Glasgow in the 16th century. He played a key role in the Scottish Reformation and was a supporter of the Protestant cause.

MargaretDunbar

Margaret Dunbar Cutright was an American artist and educator. She was known for her landscape paintings and was a prominent figure in the art scene of West Virginia during the early 20th century.

EdwardDunbar

Edward Dunbar was an English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the late 19th century. He was known for his bowling skills and represented England in several Test matches.

PatriciaDunbar

Patricia Dunbar is a Canadian actress and playwright. She has appeared in numerous Canadian stage productions and is known for her versatility as an actress.

HenryDunbar

Henry Dunbar was a character in the novel 'Henry Dunbar' by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. The novel follows the story of a wealthy man who is presumed dead but later resurfaces, leading to a series of dramatic events.

LeslieDunbar

Leslie Dunbar was an American civil rights activist and advocate for social justice. He served as the executive director of the Field Foundation and played a significant role in advancing the civil rights movement.

JamesHenry

James Henry Dunbar was an American physician and surgeon. He was one of the early African-American doctors in the United States and made significant contributions to the field of medicine.

Dunbar Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Dunbar' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the place name Dunbar in East Lothian, Scotland. The name 'Dunbar' is believed to have originated from the Celtic word 'dùn,' meaning 'fort' or 'hill,' and the Old Norse word 'barr,' meaning 'top' or 'summit.' It is likely that the name originally referred to a person who lived near or worked at a fort or hilltop settlement.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Dunbar' is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the areas surrounding the town of Dunbar. It is also present in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration and immigration.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Dunbar' include 'Dunbarr' and 'Dunbarre.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Dunbar' has been carried by Scottish immigrants who settled in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many of these immigrants were seeking new opportunities or escaping economic hardships in Scotland.