Show ContentsDunin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Dunin name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Dunin was originally derived from a family having lived in the region of Dunning in the lower part of Strathearn. Today Dunning is the process of communicating with customers to ensure the collection of accounts receivable derived from the 17th century verb "dun," meaning to demand payment of a debt.

Early Origins of the Dunin family

The surname Dunin was first found in Shropshire where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Dunin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dunin research. Another 243 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1199, 1200, 1234, 1437, 1440, 1514 and 1782 are included under the topic Early Dunin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dunin Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Dunin include Dunning, Dunnings, Douning, Downing, Dunnin and many more.

Early Notables of the Dunin family

More information is included under the topic Early Dunin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Dunin family to Ireland

Some of the Dunin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dunin family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Sarah Dunning who made her home in Virginia in 1650. George Dunning traveled further south landing in Barbados in 1654. In 1774; the first Dunning entered Canada. John Dunning, 24.


HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Thomas Dunin (1921-1941), Australian Steward from St. Kilda, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking [1]


The Dunin Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Studiis et rebus honestis
Motto Translation: By study and honourable pursuits.


  1. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp


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