The Irish Surname Gunning if of patronymic origin. Strictly speaking practically all Irish surnames are of patronymic origin, that is to say, formed from the names or other designations of ancestors by prefixing the particular name with Mac or O, and in that respect they differ most from English surnames in which the descriptive and local elements predominate. The surname Gunning (when found in Ireland) is of two possible origins. In the first place, it is an anglicized form of the ancient Gaelic surname O’ Conaing (pronounced Cunning). O’ Conaing derives it’s origin from the personal name Conaing, which comes from the Anglo-Saxon “cynyng”, meaning “king”. Thus the surname Gunning/ O’ Conaing signifies “descendant of or son of Conaing”. The earliest known bearer of this name was the Scots-Irish prince, Conaing Mac Aedain, who died in 621.
The name became quite popular in Ireland in the early Middle Ages and was favored by the O’ Neills. The feast day of St. Conaing is celebrated on September 23rd. The O’ Conaing/ Gunning’s, who belonged to the Dalcassian (DalgCais) clan, descend from a brother of Brian Boru, Ard Ri or High King of Ireland. Their territory (Thomand) comprised Co. Clare and parts of Limerick and Tipperary. The Gunnings held territory in Castleconnell, also called Castlegunning, however they are now more numerous in Co. Offaly. Where the surname Gunning is found in Ulster, bearers are believed to be descendants of the 17th century planters who introduced the name from England. The English surname Gunning is also of patronymic origin, deriving from the personal name Gunwin (“gund-win”, meaning “battle-friend”). Early records of this surname in England include a reference to one Thomas Gundwin who was recorded in 1228. The Rev. Peter Gunning was bishop of Ely (Ireland) in 1684.
Blazon of Arms:
Gules; on a fess erminois between three doves proper, as many crosses formee per pale of the first and azure.
Crest:
A dove holding in the dexter claw a caduceus proper.
Motto:
Imperio regit unus aequo.
Translation:
One rules with unbiased sway.
Origin:
Ireland