The given name Gunnison is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "gunna" meaning "battle" and "sunu" meaning "son," thus translating to "son of battle" or "warrior son." This name likely emerged as a descriptive moniker for the sons of renowned warriors or soldiers.

In the 11th century, the name appeared in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholders and properties in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. This suggests that the name was in use among the Anglo-Saxon population prior to the Norman Conquest.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Gunnison was Sir Richard Gunnison, a knight who fought in the Crusades during the late 12th century. He was mentioned in several contemporary chronicles for his bravery and skill in battle.

During the 13th century, a prominent figure named Gunnison de Montfort was a close ally of Simon de Montfort, the leader of the baronial rebellion against King Henry III. De Montfort's exploits were documented in various medieval manuscripts and chronicles.

In the 16th century, John Gunnison (c. 1500-1556) was an English scholar and translator who is best known for his Latin translations of several Greek philosophical texts. His work helped to preserve and disseminate ancient Greek thought during the Renaissance era.

Another notable individual with the name was Captain John Gunnison (1812-1853), an American army officer and explorer who led an expedition to survey a potential transcontinental railroad route through the Rocky Mountains. Unfortunately, he and several members of his party were killed by a band of Paiute warriors in Utah in 1853. The Gunnison River and the town of Gunnison, Colorado, were named in his honor.

In more recent times, Gunnison Butterfield (1899-1986) was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Butterfield & Butterfield auction house in San Francisco. He played a significant role in establishing the city as a major center for art and antique auctions in the western United States.