Surname Dunmore - Meaning and Origin
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Dunmore: What does the surname Dunmore mean?
The last name Dunmore has several potential meanings and origins. It could be an anglicised version of the Gaelic surname "Donn Maolruadh" which translates to "the great dun (brown) chief". Alternatively, it could be derived from the Norse words "dun" (hill) and "marr" (fishery/market), meaning "hill frequented by fisherman or merchants".
Dunmore could also be a derived from an older Gaelic word, "dun mhòr" meaning "large, brown fort". This is thought to have been a name given to forts or settlements built on large hilltops. This would link the name to the strong tradition of cutting turf (from the Gaelic word "turra"), which is found across the Scottish Highlands. This usage is sometimes known as 'dun-mor-ton'.
In Ireland, the surname is thought to originate from Co. Galway and there is a castle of the same name in Co. Kilkenny. It is also found in Co. Armagh as 'Dunmor' or 'Dunomaly'.
No matter its origin, the surname Dunmore is a reminder of the rich heritage that exists across Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. It is a reminder of the many centuries of immigration that has lent to such cultures as Gaelic and Norse, which are now integral parts of the British Isles.
Order DNA origin analysisDunmore: Where does the name Dunmore come from?
The surname Dunmore is derived from the Gaelic name "Dún Mór" which means "big fort". Today, Dunmore is most commonly found in the UK, Ireland, and the United States. In the UK, most people with the Dunmore name live in Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and in the West and East Midlands. In Ireland, most Dunmore families are located in County Galway, County Mayo, and County Cork.
In the United States, the surname Dunmore is most common in Pennsylvania, which is believed to be the most likely point of entry for Dunmore families during the 19th century. This is further evidenced by the fact that only four of the United States’ 226 Dunmore surnames are found outside of Pennsylvania. The majority of modern day Dunmore families in the United States are of Scottish descent, with many of them having the Clan Dunmore tartan worn by members of the family.
Although the last name Dunmore is relatively uncommon, it can still be found in certain areas today. The United States, the UK, and Ireland are still home to a number of Dunmore families, and the name can still be recognized through its presence in several tartans.
Variations of the surname Dunmore
The surname Dunmore has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin.
The surname Dunmore has its most common spelling, as well as numerous other spellings that have been seen in multiple different countries over the centuries. Common variations include Dunmoor, Dummore, Donmore, Dunmor, Dunmoree, Dunmorey, Dunmoregh, Dunmorg, Dunmorel, Dunmorle, Dunmorelle, Donmer, Donmoor, Donmor, Donmorel, Donmorle, Donmorg, Donmorey, Donmore, Dunmoret, and Donmorl.
The surname Dunmore is also sometimes associated with the spelling McGinnis. McGinnis is an Irish surname and very closely related to the Gaelic word McGinley, which means 'son of the great chief.'
The surname Dunmore is also related to the surnames Dunn and Donne, which derive from the old Norse and Gaelic languages. The old Norse spelling of the surname is Dunne, and the old Gaelic spelling is Donne and Don.
The Dunmore surname also has connections to the surnames D'Anmore, Dene, Dean and Deene.
Finally, the surname Dunmore is also occasionally linked to the surname Macom, which is derived from the old Gaelic and Irish languages and refers to 'the son of the founder.'
In conclusion, the surname Dunmore has a wide variety of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin that all point to the origin and history of this name. Each of the various spellings and surnames of the same origin help to trace the history of the Dunmore surname.
Famous people with the name Dunmore
- Jonathan Dunmore: English professional footballer
- Monie Love: American rapper and British radio host
- Hans Dunmore: American actor
- Jimmy Dunmore: Scottish darts player
- Paul Dunmore: English rugby union player
- Derek Dunmore: American basketball player
- Sir John Lindsay, 1st Baronet Dunmore: British politician
- David Dunmore: Northern Irish barrister
- John Dunmore: Writer and historian
- Robert Dunmore: British metallurgist and engineer