Surname Cuffeley - Meaning and Origin

Cuffeley: What does the surname Cuffeley mean?

The last name Cuffeley is an English surname of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old French word “cof”, meaning “governor”, and “lea”, meaning meadow or pasture. During the Norman Conquest, Cuffeley came to England as an occupational name of one who held a post of authority over a certain designated area.

The Cuffeley family dates back to the 13th century in England, when Hugo Cuffeley was recorded as having taken part in the Barons’ War against King John. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many members of the Cuffeley family left England and settled in Ireland and North America, with many settling in the United States and Canada.

Today, the Cuffeley family is found in many parts of the world, with the most numerous family members living in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

The Cuffeley name is a proud and noble one, with stories of bravery, loyalty, and success spanning many centuries. Cuffeley families can trace their lineage to a distinguished past. Many Cuffeleys continue to uphold their values and traditions, working diligently and passionately to continue the proud legacy of their ancestors.

Cuffeley: Where does the name Cuffeley come from?

The last name Cuffeley has a long and varied history, dating back to the 11th century in England. The name is believed to be of Welsh origin and is now spread widely across the British Isles, including England, Ireland and Wales, as well as parts of Scotland.

In England, the name is most commonly found in the counties of Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Sussex and London. It has also been found in the East Midlands and the North West of England. An analysis of the 1881 UK census showed the name was most abundant in Hertfordshire, with approximately 3,400 people bearing the name.

In Ireland, the Cuffeley family are believed to be descended from an English family who settled in County Cork in 1640. The name is also found in some parts of Scotland, with records of Cuffeley families located in both the lowlands and the Highlands during the 19th century.

In more recent times, the Cuffeley name has continued to spread. People with the Cuffeley surname can now be found across the globe, with clusters of Cuffeleys in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Israel and many other countries.

Variations of the surname Cuffeley

The surname Cuffeley is believed to have originated from the county of Cheshire, England. The variants of this surname include Cuffeley, Cuffley, Cuffely and Cufley, with some other spellings seen as Cuffelee, Cuffelye, Cuffly and Cuflely.

The surname Cuffeley is believed to have originated as a toponymic surname, referring to a place for which the family is named. It is believed to have come from the Old English word 'Coffa' which means cup or heel, originally referring to a location that was shaped like a cup or heel of land. Other places called Cuffley in the county of Hertfordshire might also contribute variants of this surname.

The surnames Carrye, Currie and Corrye may also have a shared origin with the surname Cuffeley. Carrye is believed to be an Anglicization of a Gaelic name served as an occupational surname for a metalworker. Currie is thought to be a variant of the surname Currier, an Anglo-Norman name for someone who would prepare leather using a leather-working tool called a 'currier'. Corrye is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name Ó Corra, which may have started as a byname for someone from a place called Corry or MacSharry. All of these variants could be derived from the same name as Cuffeley.

The surname Cuffeley may have some Jewish variants, such as 'Kafilah' or 'Kuffely'. This is believed to be based on the Hebrew word 'Kafel' which means to be surety or an associate. The surname Cuffeley could have origins in this context; Jewish migrants often had their surnames Anglicized on entering England.

Famous people with the name Cuffeley

• Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806: 1859): English civil engineer, mechanical and structural engineer, and industrialist.
• Margaret Cuffeley (1578: 1647): English aristocrat and royalist.
• William Cuffeley (1772: 1821): English lawyer and politician.
• Charles Cuffeley (1764: 1803): British Member of Parliament for New Romney, Kent.
• William G. Cuffley (1845: 1916): British Member of Parliament for St Pancras.
• Maud Cuffeley (1877: 1934): British writer and lyricist.
• Reginald Cuffeley (1875: 1966): English barrister notable for the act of disinheriting his granddaughter Edith Sitwell.
• Paul Cuffeley (1799: 1866): African-American businessman, sea captain, and philanthropist.
• Richard Cuffeley (1733: 1814): English lawyer and MP for Bossiney.
• Ray Cuffeley (1924: 2006): English cricketer.
• Christopher Cuffeley (1858: 1930): English doctor and scientist.

Other surnames

Cuffele