Surname Plunket - Meaning and Origin
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Plunket: What does the surname Plunket mean?
The surname Plunket is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic "Pluinceid", which is a reduced form of "pluingceid", meaning "deceiver" or "trickster". It is believed to have been initially used as a nickname before becoming a hereditary surname. Notably, several notable historical and modern figures bear the Plunket surname, particularly in Ireland and New Zealand. For example, the Plunket Society, a prominent non-profit organization in New Zealand that provides support services for the development, health, and well-being of children under the age of five, was named after its founder, Lord William Plunket, the 5th Baron and former governor of New Zealand. Despite the potentially negative initial connotation of its literal meaning, the Plunket name carries a significant legacy and respect in these regions.
Order DNA origin analysisPlunket: Where does the name Plunket come from?
The surname Plunket is most common in Ireland today, where it has been associated with an armigerous (heraldic-bearing) family since the fourteenth century. Plunket's are most prevalent in the East and South of Ireland, particularly Dublin, where the Plunket family have long held a number of prominent positions.
Outside of Ireland, the Plunket family can be found around the world. In North America, Canada and the United States are home to a large population of Plunket's, with many tracing their ancestry to Scotland. In the United Kingdom, Plunket's have a long history of settlement in northern England, particularly Yorkshire where the family name is most common.
In Australia, Plunket's have a strong presence, with both urban and rural communities scattered throughout the country. The family also has ancestral links to New Zealand, where members of the Plunket family have been settled for generations.
Today, Plunket's are dispersed across the globe, from its principal stronghold in Ireland to the United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia and New Zealand. The Plunket family has become a global family, living and working in each continent and bringing with them a heritage that continues to be recognised and celebrated.
Variations of the surname Plunket
The surname Plunket originates from the Old French word plongé, which means “dipping” or “plunging”. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include:
Plonkett: This is the most common variant of the surname. There are a few variations of this spelling, such as Plonket, Plonkette, Plonkitt, and Plonketts.
Plunkett: This variant of the surname is more often found in the United States and Canada.
Plonket: This variant is very rare, and it is rarely found outside of the United States.
Plonquet: This is a rare variant of the surname that is found in France.
Blonket: This is a rare variant that is only found in the United Kingdom.
Plonkete: This variant is primarily found in the United States and Canada.
Planchet: This variant is found both in France and the United States.
Plankett: This is a rare variant of the surname that is found primarily in the United States.
Pluncket: This is a rare variant that is only found in the United Kingdom.
Plunckett: This is a rare variant that is only found in Ireland.
Plonkator: This is a rare variant of the surname that is found primarily in Germany.
Plonka: This is a rare variant of the surname that is primarily found in Poland.
Plonker: This is a rare variant of the surname that is primarily found in the Netherlands.
Overall, the most common variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the Plunket surname are Plonkett, Plunkett, Plonket, Plonquet, and Blonket.
Famous people with the name Plunket
- John Plunket (1765: 1818): Irish barrister and politician who was the Solicitor-General for Ireland in 1807 and Attorney-General for Ireland in 1807.
- Maria Edgeworth (1768: 1849): Irish novelist and writer.
- John Plunket Browne (1787: 1868): Was the Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1844 to 1866.
- William Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket (1764: 1854): Anglican prelate who was the Archbishop of Dublin from 1812 to 1854.
- Richard Lovell Edgeworth (1744: 1817): Irish inventor, writer and educator.
- George Plunket, 8th Baron Killeen (1799: 1867): Irish peer who held several political offices.
- William Conyngham Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket (1764: 1854): Irish politician and member of the Irish House of Commons.
- Walter Plunket, 7th Baron Killeen (1784: 1850): Irish politician, barrister and writer.
- Luke Plunket, 4th Baron Plunket (1780: 1840): Irish peer and Lord Justice General of Ireland from 1834 to 1837.
- William Plunket, 5th Baron Plunket (1791: 1871): Irish diplomat and politician.
- William Plunket, 3rd Baron Plunket (1763: 1868): Church of Ireland archbishop and bishop of Tuam.
- Arthur Charles Plunket, 2nd Baron Plunket (1776: 1854): Irish peeress, politician and Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria.