Name Directory by Last Name: Last Names Starting with Cu

The surname Cunningham has its roots in Scotland, specifically deriving from the Gaelic "Cunigam," which translates to "the head of the family" or "the chief." The name is believed to have originated in the 12th century, associated with the lands of Cunningham in Ayrshire. Historically, the Cunninghams were a prominent family in the region, holding significant social and political power.

The surname Curtis has its origins in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "curteis," which means "courteous" or "polite." It first appeared in the 12th century, particularly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French words and customs were integrated into English society. The name was likely used as a nickname for someone who exhibited courteous behavior or was associated with the courtly class.

The surname Cummings has its historical roots in the British Isles, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, where it is believed to have originated from the Gaelic name "Mac Cuimein," meaning "son of Cuimein." The name Cuimein itself is derived from the Old Irish word "cuimne," which translates to "memory" or "remembrance." The surname first appeared in historical records during the medieval period, with its bearers often associated with various occupations, including farming and landholding. Over time, Cummings evolved as families migrated and settled in different regions, adapting the name to local dialects and languages, which contributed to its variations. Cummings has several variations across different cultures and regions, including Cummins and Comyn, each reflecting local linguistic influences.

The surname Curry has its historical roots primarily in England and Ireland, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old French word "curé," meaning "priest," which was adopted into English after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

The surname Cullen has its historical roots in Ireland, particularly associated with the Gaelic name "O'Cuileann," which translates to "descendant of Cuileann." The name Cuileann is derived from the word for "holly," a tree that holds significance in Celtic culture. The O'Cuileann family was prominent in the province of Ulster, and their lineage can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic nobility.

The surname Curran has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "O'Cuaran," which means "descendant of Cuaran." The name Cuaran itself is believed to be derived from the word "cur," meaning "spear," suggesting a warrior lineage. The O'Cuaran family was historically associated with the province of Connacht, particularly in County Galway, where they were known as a prominent Gaelic clan.

The surname Currie has its historical roots in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Ayrshire and Lanarkshire. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac an Churraidh," which translates to "son of the currier," a profession associated with leatherworking and the treatment of animal hides.

The surname Cutler has its historical roots in England, deriving from the Old French word "coutelier," which means "knife maker" or "cutler." This occupational surname first appeared in the medieval period, particularly during the 13th century, when surnames began to be adopted more widely. The Cutlers were often associated with the trade of crafting knives, tools, and other cutting implements, which were essential for various trades and domestic use.

The surname Cummins has its historical roots in Ireland, particularly associated with the Gaelic name "Ó Comhghain," which translates to "descendant of Comhghain." This name is derived from the personal name Comhghain, which is believed to mean "valiant" or "brave." The surname first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, primarily in the province of Ulster. Over time, the Cummins family became known for their roles as landowners and farmers, often associated with the rural landscape of Ireland.

The surname Cushing has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old English personal name "Cūscing," which may have meant "the son of Cūsc," with "Cūsc" being a diminutive form of "Cū," meaning "cow." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have had connections to pastoral or agricultural occupations, reflecting a lifestyle centered around livestock and farming.

The surname Culver has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is derived from the Old French word "culver," meaning "dove," which was adopted into Middle English.

The surname Curley has its historical roots primarily in Ireland, deriving from the Gaelic name "Ó Corra," which means "descendant of Corra." The name is believed to have originated in the province of Connacht, particularly in County Galway, where the Ó Corra family was prominent. Over time, the surname evolved, with variations such as Curly and O'Curley appearing in different regions.

The surname Currier has its historical roots in medieval England, deriving from the Old French word "currier," which means "to cure" or "to tan leather." This occupational surname first appeared in the 13th century, particularly in regions where leatherworking was a prominent trade. The Curriers were skilled artisans responsible for preparing animal hides for use in clothing, armor, and other goods, reflecting a vital aspect of medieval economy and craftsmanship.

The surname Cushman has its historical roots in England, with its earliest appearances dating back to the medieval period. The name is believed to derive from the Old French personal name "Cushman," which itself may have originated from the Old Norse name "Kjartan," meaning "the one who is a warrior." Over time, the surname became associated with various occupations, particularly in agriculture and trade, as many bearers of the name were involved in farming or local commerce.

The surname Culbertson has its roots in the Old Norse name "Kolbeinn," which means "coal" or "dark" and "bear," suggesting a connection to strength or a dark-haired individual. The name likely emerged in medieval England and Scotland, where it evolved through various forms, including "Colbert" and "Culbert." The surname is often associated with occupations related to land ownership or farming, reflecting the agrarian society of the time.

The surname Curtin has its historical roots in Ireland, particularly associated with the Gaelic name "O'Cuirtín," which translates to "descendant of Cuirtín." The name Cuirtín itself is derived from the word "curt," meaning "a short or small person," suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have been characterized by their stature or perhaps their demeanor. The surname first appeared in historical records in the 12th century, primarily in County Kerry and surrounding regions.

The surname Culp has its historical roots primarily in the English and Germanic regions, with variations appearing in different cultures. The name is believed to derive from the Old English word "culp," which means "to cover" or "to conceal," possibly indicating a profession related to protection or shelter, such as a builder or a person involved in the construction of homes.

The surname Custer has its historical roots in the Germanic and Anglo-Saxon traditions, with its earliest appearances traced back to the medieval period in Europe. The name is believed to derive from the Old German word "kuster," which means "to care for" or "to tend," often associated with occupations related to caretaking or stewardship.

The surname Cusack has its origins in Ireland, specifically derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Cuisig," which translates to "son of Cuisig." The name Cuisig itself is believed to be a diminutive form of the word "cuis," meaning "a clever or wise person." The Cusacks were historically associated with the province of Leinster, particularly in counties like Meath and Kildare. Over time, the surname became anglicized, and its bearers often held various occupations, including landowners, soldiers, and clerics, reflecting their social roles in medieval Irish society.

The surname Cuthbert has its origins in Old English, derived from the personal name "Cuthbeorht," which means "famous" or "bright." The name is believed to have first appeared in the early medieval period, particularly in the Northumbrian region of England, where St. Cuthbert, a prominent figure in early Christianity, became a significant influence.