Surname Bunch - Meaning and Origin

Tracing my Celtic and Viking Heritage through the iGENEA DNA Test: Unraveling the Bunch Surname

Undertaking my iGENEA DNA test revealed interesting details about my surname, Bunch. The analysis, focusing on paternal and maternal lineage, unveiled my Celtic roots and a potential Viking heritage from my maternal side. The results painted a rich and fascinating picture of my ancestral migration and genetic background.

L. Bunch

Bunch: What does the surname Bunch mean?

The last name Bunch is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from an Old English nickname "Bunche," referring to someone who was stout or had a chubby appearance. It is also thought to have been used as an occupational name for someone who made bunches (bundles) in some form, possibly related to a weaver or textile worker. The surname was likely first used in the English county of Kent, where the Bunch family held considerable estates and lands since ancient times. Throughout history, names often changed due to cultural shifts and regional dialects, leading to various spellings of the same surname. For Bunch, some variations include Bunche, Buncer, and Bunger. As families carrying this surname migrated over time, the name Bunch can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Bunch: Where does the name Bunch come from?

The surname Bunch is of Anglo-Saxon origin, stemming from pre-7th century Northern England and Scotland. The name is topographical, originally referring to someone who lived by a clump or a hill; it derives from the Old English word "benc", meaning bench or bank. It can also refer to a person who worked in a bank or court. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the name became more common in southern England.

In some instances, Bunch could also be an anglicization of the Dutch name "Bunschoten" or a variant of the German name "Bunsch". In the 19th century, many families with the surname Bunch emigrated from the British Isles to the United States.

Today, the surname Bunch is commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southeastern states such as North Carolina and South Carolina. The name is also prevalent in the United Kingdom, predominantly in areas once dominated by the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Its distribution further reaches into English-speaking global countries like Canada and Australia.

Variations of the surname Bunch

The surname Bunch is considered to be of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'benc' which means 'bench'. It is thought that it was probably used as a nickname for someone who made benches or perhaps for a judge who sat on a bench.

Variant spellings of the surname include Bunsch, Bunche, Bunsh, and Bunshie. Associated surnames from the similar origin might include Bench, Bent, Bencher, and Bence.

Additionally, the surname Bunch can be a possible Americanized version of some similar-sounding Jewish surnames such as Bunsch, and Buch.

It should be noted that variations can differ regionally and can be influenced by different languages and dialects, oral traditions and even literacy levels at different times in history. Therefore, there can be many alternate spellings and variations of the same surname.

Please note that the surname's meaning and its derivatives could have evolved over time, and tracing a surname's exact historical origins can be quite challenging.

Famous people with the name Bunch

• Travis Bunch: A former American politician who served as a Democratic member of the Kansas House of Representatives.
• Tawny Bunch: She is an actress, known for her roles in movies like "Downward Angel" and "The Deviants."
• Ian Bunch: Noteworthy for his participation in the popular reality TV series, "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding."
• Charlie Bunch: A professional American football player during the early 20th century.
• Wes Bunch: An actor and art director known for his work in "The Basket Case" and "Don't You Forget About Me."
• Noah Bunch: A famous contemporary artist, best known for his sculptures.
• Bruce Bunch: Known for voicing several characters in different popular series of cartoons.
• Lisa Bunch: She is a minor, yet noted character, appearing in the popular Electronic Arts game, Sims 3.
• Paul Bunch: An English former professional footballer who played as a forward.
• Wyatt Bunch: An American TV host and film director known for some popular reality shows. Please note that the notability of some individuals may vary as per personal perception.

Other surnames

BuncheBuncker