CUNNINGHAM
Cunningham
Overview:
Cunningham is a historic Scottish and Irish surname of territorial origin, derived from the Old English words "cuning" meaning 'king' and "hame" meaning 'home'. The name refers to the original bearer of the surname who resided near a location associated with royalty.
Origins:
The Cunningham surname is believed to have originated from Cunningham, a village in Ayrshire, Scotland. The family seat of the Cunningham clan was the historic Cunningham Castle. The name spread to Ireland through Scottish settlers and planters, particularly in Ulster.
History:
The Cunningham family is one of Scotland's oldest and most distinguished clans, with a long and illustrious history dating back to medieval times. They were prominent in Scottish history, playing significant roles in the wars and politics of the nation. Notable figures bearing the Cunningham surname include the Earls of Glencairn and the Marquess of Queensberry.
Variants:
Over the centuries, variations of the Cunningham surname have emerged, including Coningham, Cuningham, and Cunnyngham.
Famous Bearers:
- Allan Cunningham (1784–1842): Scottish poet and author.
- Merce Cunningham (1919–2009): American dancer and choreographer.
- Carolyn Cunningham (b. 1967): British television producer.
Legacy:
Today, the Cunningham surname is widespread in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking nations. The name continues to be associated with strength, courage, and a proud heritage.
Coat of Arms:
The Cunningham family crest features elements symbolizing loyalty, protection, and authority. The shield is emblazoned with heraldic symbols such as lions, stars, and a stag's head.
References:
- Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.
- Reaney, P.H. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 2005.
See Also:
Cunningham Clan Society
There are approximately 36,854 people named Cunningham in the UK. That makes it the 206th most common surname in Britain. Around 566 in a million people in Britain are named Cunningham.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Cuningham
- Cunnyngham
- Cunninghan
- Cunnigham
- Conningham
- Cunninghame
- Cuninghame
- Cunningam
- Cunninngham
- Cunyingham
- Cunnynghame
- Cunyngham
- Cunynghame
- Cunmingham
- Cungham
- Cunigham
- Canningham
- Cinningham
- Coningham
- Conyngham
- Cumingham
- Cummingham
- Cumningham
- Cuning
- Cunings
- Cuninham
- Cunnignham
- Cunning
- Cunnings
- Cunnington
- Cunninham
- Cunnngham
- Cunnningham
- Guningham
- Gunningham
- Kenningham
- Kinningham
- Kuningas
- Kunningham
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.