Origin of the surname Dunning

This name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is from a nickname for a man with particularly dark hair or a swarthy complexion, usually found as "Dunn", and of which "Downing" and "Dunning" are the patronymic forms, meaning "the son of Dunn". The derivation is from the Olde English pre 7th Century word "dunn" meaning "dark-coloured". The name may also partly derive from an Olde English byname recorded as "Dunn" or "Dunna", meaning "the dark one". The surname development has included Geoffrey Dounyng (1311, Essex), Alice Downyng (1379, Yorkshire) and John Downing, sheriff of Norwich (1432, Norfolk).

Francis Downing was an early emigrant to the New World, being listed in the "muster" at Charles City, in Virginia, in 1624. Sir George Downing (1623 - 1684), first baronet, was scout-master-general of Cromwell's army in Scotland in 1650, and headed the movement for offering the crown to Cromwell. Also a notable foreign diplomat, Colbert called him "le plus grand querelleur des diplomates de son temps". His grandson, also Sir George (1684 - 1749), founded Downing College. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Duning, which was dated 1197, in the "Fines Court Records of Oxfordshire", during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Dunning. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname dunning is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of dunning. Research into the possible origins of dunning leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname dunning is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of dunning.

The surname Dunning around the world

It is common for surnames like dunning to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that dunning has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where dunning is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname dunning provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Dunning

The historical journey of the surname dunning can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of dunning. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named dunning are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname dunning, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of dunning developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname dunning.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname dunning, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of dunning could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about dunning and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Dunning

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all dunnings who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname dunning, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname dunning were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname dunning, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Dunning and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname dunning. The bibliography collects information related to the surname dunning, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of dunning are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of dunning.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of dunning, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Dunning