Dunston Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Dunston Origin:

England

Origin of Dunston:

This surname is of old English origin and is a geographical name from different regions named as Dunston. For example, in Lincolnshire it is listed as Dunestone, in the Domesday Book of 1086, in Norfolk as Dunestun and in Staffordshire as Dunestone, which all acquire from the word Dunn’stun, a former English particular name, and the word “tun,” which means a town or arrangement. This surname may also have as its origin as Dunstone in Devon, listed as “Dunestanetune” in the book of Domesday, or in Dunstan in Northumberland, registered in the Fees of 1242 as Dunstan. And appearing ultimately as the personal name “Dunstan,” deriving from the medieval English word “dun” which means a slope, and “stan,” which means a stone, so the whole meaning is “stone on a slope or hill.” Geographical names frequently were given to old residents of a hamlet as a source of recognition.

Variations:

More common variations of this surname are: Dunstone, Dunnston, Duniston, Dunniston, Dunstan, Denston, Dunsdon, Dunsten, Donston, Dunstun.

England:

The surname Dunston first appeared in Cornwall where they held a family seat from times. The first introduction of the name was of Dunstan (c. 909 – 988) who was a friar of Glastonbury, a priest of Worcester, a religious person of London, and a clergy person of Canterbury. He was later idolized as a martyr.

The very first recorded spelling of the family was shown to be that of Alice Dunstone (married to Thomas Attynell), who dated in February 1562, in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. It was during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, who was known to be “Good Queen Bess,” dated 1558 – 1603. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. It came to be known as Poll Tax in England.

United States of America:

Individuals with the surname Dunston settled in the United States in three different centuries respectively in the 17th, 18th, and 19th. Some of the people with the name Dunston who settled in the United States in the 17th century included Cicely Dunston, who landed in Virginia in 1636. Andrew Dunston who came to Virginia with his wife Cicely in 1653. Andrew Dunston who settled in Virginia in 1653. William Dunston settled in Virginia in 1654. William Dunston, who arrived in Virginia in 1654.

Some of the people with the name Dunston who settled in the United States in the 18th century included Peter Dunston, who landed in Virginia in 1705.

Some of the individuals with the name Dunston who settled in the United States in the 19th century included Charles Dunston at the age of 34, arrived in New York in 1812. H Dunston, who settled in San Francisco, California in 1851.

Canada:

Individuals with the surname Dunston settled in Canada in two different centuries respectively in 18th and 19th. Some of the people with the name Dunston who settled in Canada in the 18th century included Thomas Dunston who moved to Nova Scotia in 1749.

Some of the individuals with the name Dunston who settled in Canada in the 19th century included Alfred Dunston at the age of 23, arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship “Prudence” in 1838.

Australia:

Some of the people with the name Dunston who settled in Australia in the 19th century included Francis Dunston at the age of 33 and Ambrose Dunston at the age of 26; both arrived in South Australia in the same year in 1854 aboard the ship “Thetis.” Harriet Dunston at the age of 23, arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship “Lady Macdonald.”

New Zealand:

Some of the people with the name Dunston who settled in New Zealand in the 18th century included Samuel Dunston at the age of 23, a farmer, and Jane F. Dunston at the age of 22 both arrived in harbor Nicholson aboard the ship “Gertrude” in the same year in 1841.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Dunston: United States 3,445; England 285; Australia 217; France 73; Canada 48; South Africa 91; India 42; Germany 3; New-Zealand 12; United Arab Emirates 2.

Notable People:

Bryant Dunston was an American player in basketball.

John Dunston was an English senior headmaster.

Richard Dunston was an English ship manufacturer.

Shawon Dunston was an American baseball player.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) (co. Northampton, and Raunton, co. Stafford; Rosa, eldest dau. and co-heir of Sir William de Dunston, m. John D’Oyley, of Stoke D’Oyley, co. Northampton, since when the D’Oyleys have borne the Dunston arms). Gu. a buck’s head cabossed ar. Crest—A man’s head in profile ppr.
2) (Hopton, co. Suffolk). Gu. a buck’s head cabossed or.
3) Gu. a bull’s head cabossed ar. armed or.
4) (Kendal, co. Westmoreland). Sa. three combs or.