Funston is a rare and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname Funston, which is of German and English descent, meaning 'from the town of Funtensee' in Germany or 'from the town of Funstun' in England. The name gained prominence in the United States during the 20th century, primarily due to its association with the military figure Adna Chaffee Jr., also known as Adna R. Funston Jr., who served as a major general during World War I and was named after his father, Adna R. Funston Sr. Despite its unique sound, there are few records of Funston being used as a given name outside of the United States. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and courage due to its military connection but is also seen as an independent and individualistic choice for parents seeking distinctive names for their children.
Funston is quite rare; only six babies named Funston were born annually in 1916, making for a total of just six Funstons in history.