Dunnill

Dunnill is a surname of English origin. It is a variant of the surname "Dunhill," itself a locational name deriving from places called "Dunhill" in various parts of England, such as Yorkshire and County Durham. The name is thought to be derived from the Old English elements "dun," meaning "hill" or "down," and "hyll," also meaning "hill." Therefore, the name effectively means "hill hill," which is believed to refer to a prominent or distinctive hill.

As a surname, Dunnill is relatively uncommon, though its variant, Dunhill, is more frequently encountered. Individuals with the surname Dunnill can be found primarily in the United Kingdom, with smaller populations in other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, often resulting from emigration.

The name does not have a specific meaning beyond its topographic origin. The spelling variations (Dunnill, Dunhill) likely arose through regional dialectical differences in pronunciation and transcription over time. There are no known prominent families or clans exclusively associated with the Dunnill spelling.