Sunna (Saxon chief) facts for kids

Sunna was an important leader from the Saxon people. His group lived across eastern Berkshire, which is in southern England. Many places in England today get their names from Sunna. These include Sonning, Sonning Eye, Sunbury, Sunningdale, Sunninghill, and Sunningwell. Most of these places are found near the River Thames.

Who Was Sunna?

Historians believe Sunna was a powerful local leader. One historian noted that the area "Sunninges" was likely named after him. This area was in Berkshire, west of lands given to Chertsey in the 670s. Another historian who studied Wessex said that Sunna was "a local potentate of no small importance." This means he was a very significant person in his time. The name "Sunna" itself was quite rare back then.

What Does the Name "Sunna" Mean?

While many places are named after Sunna, there's another idea about the name. A theory from 1937 suggests that "Sunna" might mean "wet or marshy land." This idea fits well with places like Sonning, which is near Reading. It also fits with Sunninghill in south-east Berkshire. These areas often have wet or marshy ground. So, the name could describe the land itself, not just a person.