Surname Cunyngh - Meaning and Origin

Cunyngh: What does the surname Cunyngh mean?

The last name Cunyngh is a variant spelling of the Irish surname Connaughton, which is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name O' Conchubhair. The root of the name is from the Gaelic word Conchubhar, meaning either “hound-lord” or “hound of warriors".

The Gaelic spelling of the surname is Ó Conchubhair, which is associated with the medieval kingdom of Connacht in modern-day Ireland. This region was home to the powerful Connachta Dynasty, which ruled large portions of surrounding territories from 773 to 1255. During this time numerous clans adopted their own version of the medieval Connacht surname.

As a result, many different variations of the original Connacht surname have risen in popularity. These variants include O' Conaughton, O' Conaughhan, O' Conaughan, O' Conaghan, Cunyngh, Connon, and many others.

Today, those who bear the Cunyngh surname are most likely members of the wider O' Conaughton/Conachan family. It is possible that their ancestors were members of the powerful Connacht Dynasty, but it is also possible they adopted the revised version of the name much later.

Cunyngh: Where does the name Cunyngh come from?

The last name Cunyngh is found primarily in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. In Belgium, Cunyngh is used by approximately 300 people, making up 0.0045% of the population. In France, it is relatively rare, with an estimated 0.00025% of the population being called Cunyngh. In the Netherlands, the last name is estimated to be used by around 2000 people, making up 0.0037% of the population. Beyond these countries, Cunyngh is a relatively rare name, though it can also be found occasionally in places such as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. It is likely that the surname was originally Dutch in origin. There is some evidence to suggest that the name dates back at least as far as the 17th century. In modern times, descendants of Dutch immigrants have carried the name to other countries around the world, meaning that Cunyngh is now a global surname. The name is also often spelled Cunnyngh, Cunnigham, or other variations.

Variations of the surname Cunyngh

The surname Cunyngh is of British origin and is found mainly in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and North America. It is derived from the Old English personal name Cynn, which was generally adopted in Old English as a term for "kinship". The variants of Cunyngh include Cunigham, Cuningam, Cunynham, Cunyngham, and Cunningham.

In some manuscripts, the spelling can be found as Cunyncghan or Cuningeham, which is similar to Cuningham, Cuningan, Cuninhahn, or Cunincham. Spelling variations of the name could also be Cunnigham, Connigham, Conigham, Cunyngham, Conyngham, Cunnyngham, Conningham, Cuningeham, Coningeham, Cunnigeham, Connighham, and Cunygham.

Some common surnames of similar origins are Kunin, Cunney, Cunuel, Connock, Koning, Conall, Connoly, and Congle. The name Cunyngh can also be found used as a given name in some places.

The Cunyngh family was one of the most prominent families during the medieval period in England, with members serving in some of the highest positions in the government. Many Cunynghs have had multiple spellings and surnames throughout the centuries.

Famous people with the name Cunyngh

• Emma Cunnyngham-Reid: British Liberal Democrat politician
• Jonathan Cunnyngham: Irish poet
• Dan Cunnyngham: English video artist
• Dr. Richard Cunnyngham: 19th century British civil servant
• Pat Cunnyngham: American guitarist
• Chad Cunnyngham: American actor
• Robert Cunnyngham: British judge and wage campaigner
• George Cunnyngham: Scottish architect
• Sir John Cunnyngham: 19th century British Admiral
• Anna Cunnyngham: Irish activist
• Dr. Hugh Cunnyngham: 19th century English physician
• Romola Cunnyngham: Australian fashion designer
• Marino Cunnyngham: Irish Gaelic footballer
• Alistair Cunnyngham: Scottish politician
• John Cunnyngham: British theatre director
• Sharon Cunnyngham: American cyclist
• Bob Cunnyngham: South African singer
• Doug Cunnyngham: Canadian cricketer
• Steve Cunnyngham: British artist
• Christopher Cunnyngham: British army officer

Other surnames

Cunyngham