Surname Bunting - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling the History Buried in My Genes: The Intriguing Saga of the Bunting Lineage through iGENEA DNA Test

After anxiously waiting, my iGENEA DNA results arrived, surprising me with unexpected revelations about my ancestry. My surname 'Bunting,' traced its origin to Anglo-Saxon tribes. Yet, what lay beneath was an array of fascinating stories encompassing noteworthy personalities, family mysteries, and a diverse genetic spread leading me across continents.

J. Bunting

Bunting: What does the surname Bunting mean?

The surname Bunting is of Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from the Old English word “bunt” which means “to sift”. It was typically used as an occupational surname given to individuals who worked as a miller or a baker, professions that involved sifting grain or flour. In another context, the name Bunting is also associated with the bird species of the same name. It is speculated that the name could have been given as a nickname or an ornamental name to someone who had characteristics similar to a bunting bird, such as a pleasant voice. This dual interpretation gives the surname Bunting historical significance in both occupation and nature. It first originated in Yorkshire, England, during the early 13th century.

Bunting: Where does the name Bunting come from?

The Bunting surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is believed to be derived from an Old English personal name "Bunta" combined with "-ing" which signifies "the sons of" or "people of". Alternatively, it could also refer to people living in a place where reed bunting, a type of bird, was plentiful. The surname Bunting initially appeared in early medieval records in the county of Derbyshire, England.

Currently, the Bunting surname is most prevalent in the United States, according to public records. There are also considerable counts of Buntings in England, Australia, Canada, and South Africa. In England, it's commonly found in the regions of Cheshire and Derbyshire, aligning with its historical origins. Despite being spread around the globe, it is not considered a common last name. Only about 0.001% of the world population have this surname.

Variations of the surname Bunting

The surname Bunting has variations and derivatives based on geographical locations, dialects, and spelling alterations over centuries. Some of these variants include Buntin, Bunten, and Buntain. Phonetic spellings such as Buntyn have also been documented.

Several surnames share their origin in British history with Bunting. They could either be geographical, where the name comes from a specific area such as Bunton or Buntingsdale, or occupational, like the name Bunt which derived from the occupation of a 'bunt' or official messenger.

During periods of migration, names were often altered to suit new language and cultural norms. Therefore, names like Boontje, Buntingh, and Bonting might have been adapted from Bunting in Dutch or German contexts, or it might be Anglicized from such variations.

Lastly, the plural form Buntings is also a plausible variation.

However, it’s important to note that while these names might share similar spellings or phonetic elements, definitive family ties can only be confirmed through individual family history or genetic research due to the complex nature of surname evolution.

Famous people with the name Bunting

• Martha Bunting: the first female dean of undergraduate studies at the The College of William and Mary in Virginia.
• Jennifer Bunting: Mayor of Wilmington, Delaware and the first woman to hold the office.
• Josh Bunting: American actor, best known for his roles in "The Stepfather" and "Gigantic."
• Tim Bunting: former pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Chris Bunting: Australian actor who won the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for his role in the series Jack Irish.
• Michael Bunting: Canadian professional ice hockey forward in the National Hockey League.
• J. B. Bunting: prominent author and historian, mainly specializing in the history and culture of the American Southwest
• Simon Bunting: English lawyer and military leader of the British Army's 21st SAS Regiment during the Falklands War.
• John Bunting: Australian serial killer and primary perpetrator of the Snowtown murders.
• Richard Bunting: British sculptor and the head of sculpture in the Royal Academy Schools.

Other surnames

BuntinBuntine