Show ContentsNun History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Nun surname derives from the Old English word "nunne," in turn from the Latin "nonna," both of which mean a "Nun." As a name, it was likely originally a nickname for a pious person, or an occupational name for someone who worked at a convent.

Early Origins of the Nun family

The surname Nun was first found in Norfolk where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Nun family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nun research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1514 is included under the topic Early Nun History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nun Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Noon, Noone, Nunn, Nones, None, Nun and others.

Early Notables of the Nun family

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

Ireland Migration of the Nun family to Ireland

Some of the Nun 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 Nun family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Thomas Nunn, who settled in Virginia in 1635; John Nunn settled in Virginia in 1695; Charles, George, James, John, and Patrick Noon settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1870.


Contemporary Notables of the name Nun (post 1700) +

  • E. W. Nun, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Iowa, 1952 1


The Nun 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: Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re
Motto Translation: Gentle in manner, firm in act.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, May 18) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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