Nunn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Germany 
  Ireland 


The Nunn 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 Nunn family

The surname Nunn 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 Nunn family

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

Nunn Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Nunn family

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

Nunn World Ranking

In the United States, the name Nunn is the 2,017th most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Nunn is ranked the 874th most popular surname with an estimated 4,517 people with that name. 2 And in the United Kingdom, the name Nunn is the 846th popular surname with an estimated 8,009 people with that name. 3

Migration of the Nunn family to Ireland

Some of the Nunn 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.


Nunn migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Nunn Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Nunn Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Nunn migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Nunn Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Nunn migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Nunn Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Nunn (post 1700) +


The Nunn 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.


Suggested Readings for the name Nunn +
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