Surname Bunion - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bunion: What does the surname Bunion mean?
The last name Bunion does not have a universally accepted meaning as it is not associated with a specific language or culture. It is mostly considered as an altered form of the English surname Bunyan, which is thought to be derived from the nickname “Bony An” meaning "thin one". This nickname was likely given to a tall, slender person. Another possible derivation is from the medieval name "Bunian", which, after going through variations, resulted in Bunion. In the United States, Bunion is a rare surname. It's also worth mentioning that "bunion" has a different meaning in a medical context, referring to a painful swelling on the joint of the big toe. However, this is likely unrelated to the surname as surnames usually derive from nicknames, occupations, geographical areas, or ancestors' names and not medical conditions. But overall, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Bunion are unclear and could be subject to different cultural interpretations.
Order DNA origin analysisBunion: Where does the name Bunion come from?
The last name Bunion is of English origin and is a version of the name "Bunyan," which is derived from the Old French word "bugnon," meaning "bump or swelling." This could likely have been a nickname given to someone with a prominent feature or physical characteristic. The earliest documented Bunion in history was Richard Bunnion in the U.S. Federal Census of 1840. The surname was commonly used among Scottish and Irish communities during this time.
Today, the surname Bunion is not very common, with most people bearing this name residing in the United States, particularly in states like Florida, New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It also appears to some extent in Canada and England. However, it's important to note that the name's frequency may vary as Bunion is not one of the most widely used surnames globally. Over centuries, due to migration, colonization, and intermarriage, the distribution of the surname has significantly dispersed.
Variations of the surname Bunion
The surname Bunion, often associated with the English fiction character Paul Bunyan, can be found in diverse forms due to regional adaptations, spelling variations, and in some cases, translation from other languages. Some of the common variants and spellings of Bunion may include Bunyan, Bunian, Bunnion, Bunyen, Bunyon, Bunnon, and Bunnan.
The origin of the name is said to be Anglo-Saxon, derived from the Old English personal name 'Buna', in combination with the suffix '-an', which means 'Buna's people'. There's also a theory suggesting a French origin from the town of "Bunyan" in France. However, it's widespread in countries where the English had settled, such as Australia, Canada, and the U.S.
The surname also underwent Anglicisation or Gaelicisation in Ireland and Scotland, leading to variants like Bunnaigh, Bunna, or even Buchanan in some instances.
For surnames of the same origin, there are several Anglo-Saxon names like Bunce, Bunning, Bunny, Bunt, Bunter, etc. But it's important to note that surname origins can be complex and may not strictly follow these patterns. Validation from genealogical research or ancestry DNA could provide more accurate and personalized information about specific surname origins and variants.
Famous people with the name Bunion
- Ramsey Bunton: British fashion designer and creative director.
- William Bunton: American actor who appeared in 'The Women of Brewster Place'.
- Rosalind Bunton: British singer who is the former lead singer for the group Loose Ends.
- Benjamin Bunton: Hall of Fame third baseman who played professionally from 1902-1916.
- Charles Bunton: British actor who appeared in various television and movies.
- Anne Bunton: Irish children's author who penned the popular 'The Magical Treehouse' series.
- Cornelius Bunton III: American composer, pianist, and producer.
- Lola Bunton: British pop singer who was a part of the girl group 'The Honeyz'.
- Tommy Bunton: American actor who appeared in television shows such as 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Friends'.
- Emma Bunton: British singer and songwriter best known as part of the all-female girl group, the Spice Girls.