Surname Dunivan - Meaning and Origin
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Dunivan: What does the surname Dunivan mean?
The last name Dunivan originates from the Irish surname O'Dunibhain. It is derived from the old Irish Gaelic word "dun" which translates to "fort". The suffix "iban" translates to "descendant of" or "son of", so the literal meaning of the name is "descendant of the fort". It is believed to have originally been the name of a clan that was established in medieval Ireland.
The name likely originated in ancient Ireland, where fortification was common. Many clans used fortified locations as a stronghold and the name O'Dunibhain likely began as a surname for families that were associated with a certain fortified location. Over time, the name evolved into taken on different spellings, such as Donivan, Dunivan, and Dunivan.
The Dunivan surname is most commonly found in areas of Britain and Ireland where the Irish language was spoken. Today, the name is most frequently associated with Irish-American ancestry in the United States. It may also be found in other parts of the world where Irish immigrants have settled, including Canada and Australia.
The name Dunivan still has meaning today, though it has taken on new connotations. It is a reminder of the resilient spirit of the Irish people and their ability to thrive under adversity. For those who are of Irish-American descent, the last name Dunivan can serve as a source of pride and a reminder of their heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisDunivan: Where does the name Dunivan come from?
The last name Dunivan is an uncommon but recognizable surname of Irish origin. It is most common in the United States, particularly the states of Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
Many Dunivan families emigrated to America during the Great Famine between 1845 and 1852, and the earliest known record of the Dunivan name in the United States is from 1860.
Over the last 150 years, the Dunivan family has grown and dispersed throughout the United States, with most descendants living in the south and the northeast. Many members of the family have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavor, such as medicine, business, civil government, the military, and athletics.
Today, the Dunivan surname still continues to live on in numerous families both in the United States and in countries around the world. While it is not the most common of surnames, many people still recognize the name and can trace their heritage back to a Dunivan ancestor.
Variations of the surname Dunivan
The surname Dunivan is popularly believed to be of Irish descent. It is thought to be derived from the Gaelic O' Donnabhain, with Donnabhain being an Anglicization of the Irish Donndubháin. There are several variants and spelling forms of this surname:
* Duniven
* Donavan
* Donavon
* O' Donnabhain
* O' Donavon
* O' Donavan
* Donnevan
* Donivn
* Donvan
* Doniven
* Duniven
* O' Doniven
* O' Duniven
An even more interesting variation of Dunivan has been found in Scotland. Some records indicate that McDonivin may be a variant form of the Dunivan surname. This form apparently has a Scottish heritage connected to the Clan Donnachaidh, a Highland/Galloway sept.
The earliest known record of Dunivan associated with an Irish family is found in the writings of Sir William Betham, the Ulster King Of Arms circa 1800. He noted the "O' Donavans of West Cork" as one of the 128 Tribes of ancient Ireland. From this record alone it is believed that the Dunivan, Donavan, and variants of the surname all originated in West Cork Ireland, and likely spread to Scotland and other areas.
The Dunivan surname is in today found most often in Ireland and Scotland. It has also been found in most other English speaking countries, with concentrations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and in smaller numbers in New Zealand and Britain.
Famous people with the name Dunivan
- Robert Dunivan, former professional football player for the Atlanta Falcons.
- Brian Dunivan, professional boxer who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics.
- Christy Dunivan, professional golfer who qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open in 2003.
- Kirk Dunivan, former Major League Baseball player for the California Angels.
- Conrad Dunivan, American sportscaster and former college basketball player.
- Donnie Dunivan, retired NASCAR driver with over 40 starts in the Sprint Cup Series.
- David Dunivan, Grammy-nominated record producer and music engineer.
- Mark Dunivan, American professional wrestler and mixed martial arts fighter.
- Dennis Dunivan, noted musician and producer of several hit albums.
- J.C. Dunivan, former singer and songwriter for a popular rock band.