The title Earl of Dunbar has been created twice in the Peerage of Scotland, first in 1075, then again in 1605. Gospatric, a feudal earl of Northumberland, fled England for Scotland in 1072 after losing his title for taking part in a massacre at Durham; he was given the Stewardship of Dunbar by Malcolm III. His son, Gospatric de Dunbar, was given the title of Earl of Dunbar, which then proceeded down the line to the tenth earl, George Dunbar , who forfeited the title in 1435.

The second creation was for George Howme , who was also created a Knight of the Garter in 1608, but this title became extinct in 1612 (seven years after its creation) upon Howme's death. There have been no creations since then; however, two other peerages with similar names are Lord of Dunbar and Viscount of Dunbar .

Earls of Dunbar, First Creation (1075)

• Gospatric de Dunbar, 1st Earl of Dunbar (died 1138)
• Gospatric de Dunbar, 2nd Earl of Dunbar (died 1166)
• Waltheof de Dunbar, 3rd Earl of Dunbar (died 1182)
• Patrick de Dunbar, 4th Earl of Dunbar (died 1232)
• Patrick de Dunbar, 5th Earl of Dunbar (died 1248}
• Patrick de Dunbar, 6th Earl of Dunbar (1213–1289)
• Patrick de Dunbar, 7th Earl of Dunbar (1242–1308)
• Patrick de Dunbar, 8th Earl of Dunbar (1284–1368)
• George Dunbar, 9th Earl of Dunbar (c. 1336–c. 1416)
• George Dunbar, 10th Earl of Dunbar (c. 1370–1457)

Earls of Dunbar, Second Creation (1605)

• George Howme, 1st Earl of Dunbar (d. 1612)