It is first mentioned in writing as Unthanc in 1207, and in its current orthography in 1242.

[2] Unthank is a deserted medieval village that was last referred to in documents in 1726.

[3] Unthank was a township in Alnham parish.

[4] From 1866 Unthank was a civil parish in its own right until it was merged with Alnham on 1 April 1955.

[5] Unthank is in the parliamentary constituency of Berwick-upon-Tweed.