Surname Cussack - Meaning and Origin

Cussack: What does the surname Cussack mean?

The last name Cussack is of Irish origin and is thought to have originated in counties Kerry and Waterford. It is derived from the Gaelic surname "MacCuasaig," which means "son of the wise one." It is associated with the powerful and influential McCusker clan, which was well-known and respected in the area.

The McCusker clan was thought to be descended from a prominent 10th century king of Munster, Brian Boru. This lineage was held to be descended from Heremon, a great-grandson of Milesius. Known for their loyalty and bravery, the McCusker clan gave numerous distinguished service to the Corca Laoighse.

The Cussack descendants are known for their strong loyalty and sense of loyalty, and were considered loyal Scots Irish. The name Cussack is also sometimes associated with the old Irish words cuaschtacht and cuasaigh, which mean "to listen" and “wise one” respectively.

Today, the Cussack surname can be found in Ireland, England, Scotland, and the United States, and many of its modern-day descendants have taken on various occupations and interests including military service, business, and being part of State and Federal administrations. Many Cussacks have also taken up various sports including horse riding, GAA, and athletics, as well as various professions like medicine, law, and engineering.

Cussack: Where does the name Cussack come from?

The surname Cussack is most commonly found in the island nation of Ireland. It is specifically associated with County Wexford in the southeastern region of the country. The Cussack family dates back to the 12th century and were well known as generous landowners and benefactors of the local parish.

Cussack’s also made their mark in the military. Brigadier-General Arthur Cussack-Kruse was an Irishman who enlisted in the British army and saw action in several key battles throughout World War II.

Today, Cussack descendants in Ireland are scattered throughout the country, though some families remain clustered in County Wexford. The last name has spread beyond Ireland, however, due to the diaspora caused by Irish immigration during the 19th century. With the large number of Irish immigrants who moved to the United Kingdom, the United States, and even Australia, descendants of the Cussack family are even found in these countries.

In the United States, the last name can be found in several states, though the largest concentration appears to be in California. In Australia, it is most common in Victoria and New South Wales. Other countries across the globe, like New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany, all have this surname in their population.

Variations of the surname Cussack

The surname Cussack has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These variants include Cussack, Cusack, Cossack, Cushack, Coseck, Cosack, Cussick, Cosack, Corkish, Cussick, Kuzak, Kussack, Kossack, Kossick, Kossick and Kusak.

The surname Cussack is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Irish name Ó Ciosog. It originates from 'ciosog', meaning 'careful'. Historically, this surname was the name of a sept (clan) that was located in the Irish province of Connacht, where they were in the territory of the Uí Fiachrach.

The surname Cussack is found chiefly in County Leitrim but various branches have moved to other parts of Ireland. Spellings of the name vary greatly even within the same locality. Alternative spellings include Coseck, Cusack, Cosack, Cushack, Kuzak, Kussack, and Kossack.

The surname is notably found concentrated in the east Leinster provinces of Ireland, in particular around counties Mayo, Roscommon, and Galway. In England, Cussack is primarily found in Lancashire. It is also found in the United States, particularly in Ohio, Illinois, and New York.

In Ireland the main variant spellings are Cussick, Corkish, and Kossick. In certain parts of Ireland Kossick is the predominant spelling. The more modern spelling Cusack exists in both Ireland and England as a result of phonetic traditionalism. The surname Cussick is also an Americanised form of the name.

Famous people with the name Cussack

• John Cusack: An American actor, producer, and screenwriter who is best known for his roles in films like Say Anything, Grosse Pointe Blank, and High Fidelity.
• Joan Cusack: An American actor and comedian who is well-known for her supporting roles in films such as Working Girl and Nine to Five.
• Anjelica Huston: An American actress who is the daughter of renowned actors John Huston and Maureen O'Sullivan. She is known for her roles in films such as The Witches and Prizzi's Honor.
• Ann Cusack: An American actor, most widely recognized for her roles in A League of Their Own and A Mighty Wind.
• Joan Clifford: An Irish philanthropist and former actress who is the mother of actors John and Joan Cusack.
• Lizzie Cusack: An Australian actress who starred in the television series The Flying Doctors.
• Bill Cusack: An American politician who served in the Illinois House of Representatives.
• Al Cusack: An American former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Chicago White Sox from 1912 to 1915.
• Joe Cusack: An American boxer who won the New England heavyweight title in 1938.
• Jim Cusack: An American football player who played offensive guard for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s.

Other surnames

Cussane