Origin & Meaning of the Dunbar Surname
What does the last name Dunbar mean?
The surname Dunbar 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 26,405 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dunbar ranks as the #1,335 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dunbar come from?
The Dunbar 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 Dunbar name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dunbar 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 | Dunbar |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Of the |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,335 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,405 |
| Per 100K People | 8.95 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dunbar
According to the US Census, the Dunbar surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,405 Americans with the Dunbar last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.22% |
| Black | 30.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 2.39% |
Popularity of Dunbar Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dunbar surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dunbar surname increased by 1,534 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Dunbar Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dunbar 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 Dunbar Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Dunbar Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dunbar
- ✓ The Dunbar coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Dunbar families live today
- ✓ Notable Dunbar 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 Dunbar
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dunbar.
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 Dunbar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunbar
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 Dunbar surname also look for: