Origin and Meaning of Bunyan

Meaning & Origin

A dweller by the river.

Origin: English - Derived from the Middle English term 'buny', meaning 'a small tree or shrub', referring to someone living near such growth.

Interesting Facts

  • The name Bunyan is most famously associated with John Bunyan, the English writer and preacher known for his allegorical work 'The Pilgrim's Progress'.
  • While it is primarily an English surname, Bunyan can also be found as a given name, particularly in literary contexts.
  • In addition to John Bunyan, other notable bearers of the surname include modern figures in literature and academia.
  • Bunyan is not a common name today, but it gained some recognition in the literary world given its historical and cultural associations.
  • Variations of the name include Bunyans, and its phonetic similarity to names like Bunyan may inspire interest in adopting or adapting the name.