Surname Cusack - Meaning and Origin

Cusack: What does the surname Cusack mean?

The last name Cusack is an Irish surname originating from counties Clare and Limerick, and is derived from the Gaelic name of O Cicusóg. The prefix ‘O’ signifying ‘grandson’ or ‘descendant of’ shows that Cusack was once a patronymic name, using the personal name of a father or ancestor as a surname. The roots of Cusack reach as far back as 10th century Ireland, in which the placename Caisin in County Limerick was a territory held by the O Ciascaigh clan.

The ancient origin of the Cusacks made them highly respected individuals in their home country. They were known for their bravery and many members of the clan fought in several wars including the Irish Confederate Wars in the 1600s. The O Ciascaigh clan were renowned soldiers and landowners, however they were persecuted during the Cromwellian invasion of Ireland in the 1640s which saw them lose much of their land.

Throughout the centuries, Cusacks have maintained a strong presence in Ireland, with notable people bearing the name including lawyer, singer and actress Sinéad Cusack, as well as actors John Cusack and Joan Cusack.

Today the surname is also used as a first name, as families have sought to preserve the Cusack name for generations to come. The Cusacks are remembered for their strength and ability to persevere despite persecution, and their legacy continues to remain in contemporary Irish culture.

Cusack: Where does the name Cusack come from?

The surname Cusack is primarily found in Ireland today. According to research by the Irish Genealogical Foundation, more than 49 distinct septs (clans) of the name Cusack can be found in various parts of the island.

Clans of Cusack are found in several of the counties of the Irish Midlands and in Limerick, Waterford, and Galway. Cusack is most commonly found in Counties Meath and Kildare, particularly in the townlands of Mulhussey and Culmullen in the former.

The Cusack name is believed to have originated in the 12th or 13th century, when it was first used by the O’Cionnaith sept of Leinster. This clan was descended from a powerful Anglo Norman family which had originated in France.

The name Cusack can also be found in North America, with many of the early immigrants to the United States having descended from the clan of Cusack of Ireland. Indeed, many of the Irish who emigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries brought the Cusack name with them to their new homes, often changing the spelling to more Americanized forms such as Cusak or Cosack.

Today, Cusack is a relatively common surname networked throughout the English-speaking world. While its steep origins are rooted in Ireland, Cusack is recognized even farther afield, making for an interesting family history.

Variations of the surname Cusack

The surname Cusack has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants of the name are Cussack, Cusick, Cussick, Casack, Quasack, and Quessack. Other variations include Cusak, Cosek, Czasco, Cozack, etc.

Cussack and Cusick are derived from the Gaelic “MacCiosog”, which means son of the footsoldier or geographically “offspring of the policeman.” The Cussack spelling is the most common variant in Ireland, while Cusick is more common in Scotland. Both variants are found natively in the Central Valleys of County Clare, Ireland.

The variant Cussack is also often associated with the “MacCussack” spelling. It is thought to be a derivative of the Gaelic “MacCoshog” or son of Cosog. The name Cosog is believed to have originated through a combination of the words “cu” and “sog” which when combined mean the foot soldier.

The variant Casack is derived from the Middle High German “Casac” or Low German “Kasche”, which mean chest or box. Quasack and Quessack are derived from the German “Kwasser”, meaning a tinsmith. The variant Quessack is linked to the name “Kwessel.”

Other variants of the surname Cusack include Cusker, Cottack, Custer, Cussak, Quassac, Quassack, Quasac, Quasack, Quessac, Cusackick, Cusazzi, Cusatsch, Cusatz, Cusasch, Coesak, Cysak, etc. All of these spellings and surnames are derived from the same origin and were used interchangeably throughout history.

Famous people with the name Cusack

• John Cusack: an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. He has acted in films such as Say Anything, Grosse Pointe Blank, Con Air, High Fidelity, 2012, and Love & Mercy.
• Joan Cusack: an American actress who has appeared in movies such as Working Girl, Addams Family Values, Runaway Bride, and Toy Story.
• Anne Cusack: an American actress who has starred in films such as Tin Cup, Grosse Pointe Blank, and About Schmidt.
• Bill Cusack: an American film producer who has worked on films such as The Grifters, 6 Days to Air, Grosse Pointe Blank, and Mad About You.
• Susie Cusack: an American television actress who has appeared in shows such as Bones, House of Lies, NCIS, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice.
• Alan Cusack: an Australian field hockey player who played in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
• David Cusack: an American film producer who has produced films such as Life or Something Like It and Ricky Martin: Live Black & White.
• Melissa Cusack: an American actress who has appeared in films such as Boiler Room, Taxi, Saving Private Ryan, and Kentucky Fried Movie.
• Pippa Cusack: an actress, director, writer and producer who is best known for her documentaries on refugees and migration such as 'Hitting the Wall: Women in the Sport of Wall Street' and 'Gender Revolution: Our Evolution'.
• Maurice Cusack: a former Irish rugby union player who represented Ireland in the Six Nations Championship and played club rugby for St. Mary's College R.F.C.

Other surnames

Cusacke