Origin and Meaning of Dunbar

Fort on the Burg

Origin: Scottish - Derived from the Old Scottish Gaelic 'Dun Bhr' which combines 'dun' meaning 'fort' and 'bar' meaning 'hill' or 'mound.'

• Dunbar is originally a surname and is often associated with the town of Dunbar in East Lothian, Scotland, which has a rich history dating back to the medieval period.
• The name is used as both a surname and a given name, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora communities.
• Notable bearers of the name include the Scottish-born poet William Dunbar and several locations and families that carry the Dunbar name throughout history.
• While it is more commonly used as a surname, Dunbar has seen sporadic but steady use as a first name, albeit not among the top choices for modern baby names.
• Variations and related names include Dun, Dunbarson, and Dunberry, often reflecting geographical or familial ties.