Find out how popular the first name Dune has been for the last 9 years (from 2016 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dune by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Dune is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Dune being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 20 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dune.

The history of the first name Dune

The name Dune has its origins in the Old Norse language, spoken by the medieval Scandinavian people. It is derived from the Old Norse word "dúnr," which means "down" or "soft feathers." This suggests that the name may have initially been associated with softness, gentleness, or comfort.

The earliest recorded use of the name Dune can be traced back to the 9th century in Iceland. It appears in the Icelandic sagas, which are medieval prose narratives that depict the lives of the Norse people and their legendary heroes. One notable figure bearing this name was Dune Skáldskvað, a renowned Icelandic skald (poet) who lived in the late 10th century.

As the Vikings explored and settled in various regions, the name Dune spread across Scandinavia and beyond. It can be found in ancient Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish records, though its popularity waxed and waned over the centuries.

In the 12th century, a German knight named Dune von Lübeck embarked on a crusade to the Holy Land. His exploits were recorded in the chronicles of the time, cementing his place in history as one of the earliest documented bearers of the name outside of Scandinavia.

During the Renaissance period, a Dutch artist named Dune van Dyck (1599-1641) gained fame for his portraits and religious paintings. His works are now housed in renowned museums across Europe, attesting to his enduring legacy.

In the 19th century, Dune Halvorsen (1832-1911), a Norwegian explorer and whaler, made significant contributions to the mapping of the Arctic regions. His expeditions and discoveries were widely documented, further spreading the name's reach.

Another notable figure was Dune Baumann (1887-1964), a Swiss mountaineer and skier. He was a pioneer in the development of modern skiing techniques and played a crucial role in popularizing the sport in Switzerland and beyond.

While the name Dune may have ancient roots, it continues to carry a sense of softness and gentleness that has persisted through the ages. Its rich history spans various cultures and disciplines, from poetry and art to exploration and sports, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of human achievement.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dune was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dune, please contact us.

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