Origin & Meaning of the Cunningham Surname
What does the last name Cunningham mean?
The surname Cunningham carries the meaning "From a homestead or village." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 135,718 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cunningham ranks as the #211 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cunningham come from?
The Cunningham surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cunningham name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cunningham trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cunningham |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a homestead or village |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #211 |
| US Count (2010) | 135,718 |
| Per 100K People | 46.01 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cunningham
According to the US Census, the Cunningham surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 135,718 Americans with the Cunningham last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.16% |
| Black | 21.18% |
| Hispanic | 2.58% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 2.07% |
Popularity of Cunningham Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cunningham surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cunningham surname increased by 3,822 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cunningham ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cunningham Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cunningham
- ✓ The Cunningham coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cunningham families live today
- ✓ Notable Cunningham bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Cunningham
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cunningham.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cunningham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cunningham
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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