The Dunlap Family History

What Does the Dunlap Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Dunlap, with roots in both Scotland and England, is derived from the Gaelic words ‘dun’ and ‘lapach,’ which together signify a fort situated in a marshy area. Variations of the name include Dunlope, Delap, and Dunlop. In Ireland, the name may appear as Dunleavy. Within England, Dunlap families are dispersed throughout London and various southern coastal counties, including Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. Additionally, they are found in the northern regions of Lancashire, Cheshire, Durham, and Northumberland. In Scotland, the Dunlap lineage traces back to Ayrshire, located in the southwestern part of the country, with many descendants also establishing themselves in Wigtownshire, Lanarkshire, Midlothian, Renfrewshire, and Dunbartonshire. In the United States, early settlers bearing the Dunlap name primarily settled in states such as Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Maine, and Kentucky. Notable individuals associated with the Dunlap surname include Frederick “Sure Shot” Dunlap, a professional baseball player; Scott Michael Dunlap, a professional golfer; Paul Dunlap, a composer known for his work in film; William Dunlap, an 18th-century playwright; Victoria Dunlap, a professional basketball player; Carla Dunlap, a champion bodybuilder; and Irene Dunlap, who authored a book focused on children.