Heraldry and the Gunnar Surname

Families named Gunnar share a Norwegian surname with a long history. The usual explanation, from Elsdon Smith, is “descendant of Gunnarr (war, battle)”.

Like many surnames, it grew out of a personal name. The name also appears as Gunnarson.

There is no single Gunnar family crest for all bearers; the honest first step is to find out which Gunnar line, if any, bore arms. Want more than a summary? See the Gunnar family name pack.