Dun

fort on a hill
Scottish origin · Unisex name
50% boys50% girls
#1994US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.5%Percentile

What does Dun mean and where does it come from?

Dun derives from the Scottish Gaelic word 'dùn', meaning 'fort' or 'hill'.

Cultural significance
The name is often associated with place names in Scotland, indicating a historical significance of fortified sites.
Peak popularity
Reached #1994 in 2015 — currently #1994 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Dun?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Dun?

Dun works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dun Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Dun John
One syllable · timeless choice
Dun Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Dun Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Dun Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Dun Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Dun
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How popular is Dun right now?

Holding steady — currently #1994 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1994 · Top 1.5%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#199410stable
2022#199410stable
2021#199410stable
2020#199410stable
2019#199410
💎Dun is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Dun?

Common
DunieDuny

Common questions about the name Dun

What does the name Dun mean?
Dun means "fort on a hill" — a name rooted in Scottish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Dun?
Dun is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dun?
Dun originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Dun sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Dun flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dun ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Dun more of a girl or boy name?
Dun is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.