Surname Gunderson - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Gunderson: An enlightening Journey through iGENEA's DNA Test

Ever wondered about the roots of your surname? Join me as I embark on a fascinating journey with iGENEA's DNA test around my ancestral history, unearthing the depths of my surname, Gunderson, and the unexpected connections it unfolded.

F. Gunderson

Gunderson: What does the surname Gunderson mean?

The last name Gunderson is of German and Scandinavian origin, derived from the personal name Gund, meaning battle. It can also mean “warrior of God” or “one who carries spears”. This name is found in many European countries, such as Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Norway. As a result, Gunderson is a fairly widespread surname.

The Gunderson surname has a long historical connection with Scandinavian and Germanic peoples. It is believed to have originated some time during the Middle Ages due to the popularity of the name Gund. In the Viking Age, the Norse god Odin was believed to protect his people through his spear-bearing warriors. As such, many families adopted the simple combination of Gund and 'son' to show their dedication and respect.

Gunderson is an old-fashioned, but still used, surname in Scandinavian countries today. It has been used to signify a military lineage and has become a real part of many families’ identities. It remains a popular name in areas of Europe where Germanic and Scandinavian names are still prominent.

In conclusion, the last name of Gunderson is ancient and has a strong connection to its Scandinavian and Germanic roots. It is a proud symbol of family identity, honour and respect, and is representative of a proud and rich history that continues to be shared today.

Gunderson: Where does the name Gunderson come from?

The last name Gunderson is most common in the United States, with large concentrations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota, likely due to it being a Norwegian-American name. According to the 2000 census, Wisconsin leads with the most Gunderson family members, followed by Minnesota and North Dakota. Other states and regions with comparatively large Gunderson populations are Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, and Oregon. Outside of the US, the last name Gunderson is also quite common in Canada. According to a study of the 2016 Canadian Census, the highest concentrations of Gundersen/Gunderson families were found in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Further, the surname Gunderson is present in countries across the world, including England, Scotland, Australia, Norway, and Sweden.

Ultimately, the surname Gunderson is a popular, widespread last name, especially in areas with strong Norwegian heritage. In addition to the areas already mentioned, many parts of the United States, Canada, and abroad with Norwegian ancestry, there is likely to be a good presence of the Gunderson last name.

Variations of the surname Gunderson

The surname Gunderson is believed to have originated from a number of different locations, each of which has its own variants, spellings, and surnames associated with it.

The earliest recorded variant of the name is found in Norway, where it was written as Gudmundesthyr or Gudmondstir. This was an Old Norse name, composed of the elements ‘Gud’ (god) and ‘mund’ (protection), meaning ‘Protected by God’. The name was then adapted to fit the spelling and pronunciation of the local language, and as a result the Norwegian variant resembles more closely the more common spelling of Gunderson.

In Denmark, the family name can also be found, in the form of Gundersdatter, meaning ‘daughter of Gund’ or ‘Gund’s daughter’. In Sweden, too, the surname is known as either Gunnarsson or Gunnarson, meaning ‘son of Gunnar’ or ‘Gunnar’s son’.

In England, a number of surnames are derived from the same root, most notably Gander, as well as Gunner, Gundry and Guntry, which are all variations on the name Gunnar, another element of the Old Norse.

The surname Gunderson can also be found worldwide, though the spellings vary depending on the language and culture of the country in which it is found. In France for instance, variants include Gunder, Gondard, and Gandreau. In Germany and Austria, common spellings are Gander, Gundel, and Gunda. In the United States, variations often include Gundy, Gauntlett, and Gundesen.

Famous people with the name Gunderson

• Kyle Gunderson: an American actor who has appeared in numerous independent films.
• Kristin Gunderson: a Norwegian painter and illustrator best known for her colorful, imagery-rich drawings.
• Joan Gunderson Shafer: a former American politician who served as the city treasurer of Minneapolis from 1993-2004.
• Anne M. Gunderson: a folk artist, carver and painter who is most famous for her giant wooden sculptures of life-sized animals and fantastical figures.
• Olaus Elieson Gunderson: a Norwegian immigrant and founder of the Gunderson Boat Works in LeClaire, Iowa.
• Lincoln A. Gunderson: an American film actor, and a frequent contributor to the “Voice of Christian Radio” programs.
• Nils Gunderson: a Swedish farmer, politician and local official.
• Abe Gunderson: an American professional basketball player who was the first Norwegian-born player in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
• Peter Gunderson: a Danish sculptor most known for his bronze sculptures of villains and heroes from history and myth.
• Ingrid Gunderson: a Swedish painter and illustrator who uses contemporary art forms to explore nature and folklore.

Other surnames

Gundersen