Origin & Meaning of the Dunaway Surname
What does the last name Dunaway mean?
The surname Dunaway carries the meaning "Of the." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 10,798 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dunaway ranks as the #3,320 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dunaway come from?
The Dunaway surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dunaway name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dunaway trace back to French. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dunaway |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of the |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,320 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,798 |
| Per 100K People | 3.66 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dunaway
According to the US Census, the Dunaway surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,798 Americans with the Dunaway last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.2% |
| Black | 4.22% |
| Hispanic | 1.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.61% |
Popularity of Dunaway Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dunaway surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dunaway surname increased by 56 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Dunaway Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dunaway ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Dunaway Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Dunaway Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dunaway
- ✓ The Dunaway coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Dunaway families live today
- ✓ Notable Dunaway bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Dunaway
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dunaway.
Other French Surnames
Explore more surnames with French roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same French origin as Dunaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunaway
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Dunaway surname also look for: