The name Gunner has its origins in Old Norse and Old English. It is derived from the Old Norse word "gunn" which means "battle" or "war", and the Old English word "gunnere" which means "warrior" or "soldier". The name was originally a descriptive term used to refer to someone who was skilled in the use of firearms or artillery.

In medieval times, the name Gunner was associated with soldiers and military personnel. It was a common occupation for those who manned and operated cannons and other artillery weapons during battles and sieges. The name was also used to refer to those who were responsible for the maintenance and repair of firearms.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Gunner can be found in the medieval English poem "The Siege of Rouen" from the 15th century. The poem mentions a character named "Gunner Harry" who was responsible for operating a cannon during the siege of Rouen in 1418-1419.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Gunner. One of the most famous was Gunner John Dillinger (1903-1934), an infamous American gangster and bank robber during the Great Depression era. He was known for his daring robberies and for escaping from jail twice.

Another notable Gunner was Gunner John Robson (1920-1944), a British soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, for his bravery during World War II. He sacrificed his life to save his comrades during the Battle of Normandy in 1944.

In the 17th century, Gunner William Diggles (1609-1670) was a renowned English mathematician and inventor. He is credited with developing the first successful sea-going chronometer, a device used for navigation at sea.

Gunner George Salisbury (1871-1957) was a British soldier and author who served in the Boer War and World War I. He wrote several memoirs and novels based on his experiences in the military.

Gunner Arthur Buckner (1881-1963) was an American soldier and artist who served in World War I. He is known for his paintings and sketches depicting the lives of soldiers during the war.