Surname Hunter - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling scottish, viking, and anglo-saxon roots: a captivating genetic journey of the ‘Hunter’ surname with iGENEA DNA Test
Embarking on a fascinating genetic journey through my iGENEA DNA test, I unraveled the intriguing origins and history of my surname, 'Hunter'. Tracing its roots to Scotland and England, with ties to professional hunters and historic clans, a surprising streak of Viking lineage was also revealed, conjuring captivating glimpses into my ancestral past.
W. Hunter
read moreHunter: What does the surname Hunter mean?
The last name Hunter is of English and Scottish origin and it is classified as an occupational surname. It was originally given to individuals who hunted as a profession. Deriving from the Old English word 'hunta', which means 'hunter', it essentially refers to a person who hunts game for a living. The surname signifies characteristics such as leadership, strength, survival skills and the ability to provide. Occupational surnames often emerged during the Middle Ages in Europe as a way to identify individuals based on their profession or trade. Today, Hunter remains a fairly common last name in most English-speaking countries and in Scotland. In Scotland specifically, the family name is also associated with Clan Hunter, which carries a rich historical lineage and ancestral significance. However, it should be noted that not everyone with the Hunter surname will be connected to this Clan. The usage and spread of the Hunter surname can also be tied to the migration patterns of ancestors, colonization, and changes in societal structures over time.
Order DNA origin analysisHunter: Where does the name Hunter come from?
The surname Hunter is of English and Scottish origin. In the Middle Ages, it was an occupational name given to a hunter, derived from the Old English word "hunta," which means "to hunt." The Hunter family lived in Scotland where their ancestors were given lands by King Malcolm Ceanmore around 1057. The name was first found in Bedfordshire in England in early records. Over the centuries, the surname spread across the British Isles and later to the New World and other English-speaking nations.
Today, Hunter is a predominant surname in England, Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. According to "Forebears", Hunter is most common in the United States, where it ranks as the 153rd most common surname with approximately 195,976 bearers. In Scotland, it ranks as the 53rd with approximately 15,417 bearers. The name is also frequently found in England, ranking as the 173rd most common with approximately 30,462 bearers. In Australia and New Zealand, it ranks as the 245th and 141st most common surnames respectively.
Variations of the surname Hunter
The surname "Hunter" has its origins rooted in the Middle Ages of England and Scotland. It was derived from the Old English "hunta," from "huntian," meaning "to hunt." Some variants of the surname include Huntyr, Huntor, Hunte, and Huntar. The Scottish-related spelling is sometimes found as Huntar.
In other languages, related surnames that translate to "hunter" include the German Jäger, the Dutch Jager, the French Chasseur, and the Italian Cacciatore. However, as these are not direct variations of the name "Hunter," but rather translations, they may not be considered variants of the same surname.
"Surname variants" like this can be created due to regional pronunciation differences, illiteracy (where a name was written phonetically), or even immigration, where a name might have been changed or modified for simplicity in a new country.
It's also worth noting that there are several prominent families and Clans in Scotland (like Clan Hunter of Hunterston) where the surname "Hunter" has a significant history, and where there may be further unique family-specific variations or spellings of the name.
Famous people with the name Hunter
- Ming-Na Wen: Actress, best known for playing the starring role in the TV series ER and voicing the lead role Mulan in the Disney film.
- Naomi Hunter: A retired video game character from the Metal Gear franchise.
- Sean Hunter: Comedian who has appeared on shows like Laugh Out Loud and Just for Laughs.
- Tony Hunter: Broadway actor who won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for The Most Happy Fella in 1957.
- Cary Hunter: Hip-hop artist and record producer from Georgia, who has produced songs for artists such as Usher, Lil Jon, and Britney Spears.
- Faith Hunter: Author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, such as the Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood series.
- Harry Hunter (H.R. Hunter): Late American movie actor who appeared in films such as The Little Princess and The Kid from Borneo.
- Beatrice Hunter: Canadian Innu film actress, best known for her roles in the documentaries Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner and Father and the Bear.
- Azaria Joy Hunter: Singer-songwriter and harpist from the United States.
- Rich Hunter: Professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour and won the Texas Open in 1988.