Cunningham family crest

Colors on the Cunningham family crest explained

Argent (silver) - is an ancient symbol representing the values of peacefulness and sincerity, both of which mattered greatly to the Cunninghams.

Sable (black) - symbolizes constancy and the enduring nature of the Cunningham family.

 

 

  Symbols on the Cunningham family crest explained 

The three stars - symbolizes the noble and good qualities of Cunningham family members, It also represents additional divine characteristics granted from a higher power.

The Y shape on the shield - is known as a Pall, and is an ancient symbol of the Christian church used since the middle ages. In this case, representing the Cunningham family's early religious associations. 

 

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Origins of the Cunningham family name

The Cunningham family name is thought to originate from the Scottish Clan Cunningham.

The Clan Cunningham is a Scottish Lowland clan.

The name Cunningham is thought to be derived from the Gaelic term ‘cuin’ meaning ‘whelp’ or ‘young dog’, likely related to ones righting spirit.

 

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Summary of the Cunningham family and the Cunningham family crest

• The Cunningham clan is thought to have originated in the 12th century in Scotland.

• The Cunningham family name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic clan name "Cunnigham".

• The Cunninghams are one of the oldest families in Scotland, with records dating back to the 12th century.

• The clan's territory was originally located in the county of Ayrshire in southwest Scotland.

• The Cunninghams were a powerful clan during the medieval period, and their chief was one of the most powerful lords in Scotland.

• The family were staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce, and fought alongside him in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

• The clan's fortunes changed in the late 14th century, when they supported the losing side in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

• The Cunninghams lost much of their land and power after the wars, and their chief was forced to flee to Ireland.

• The clan eventually regained their land and power in the 16th century, and their chief returned to Scotland.

• The Cunninghams supported the Royalists during the English Civil War, and their chief was captured and executed by the Parliamentarians in 1651.

• The clan's fortunes declined in the 18th and 19th centuries, and many members of the clan emigrated to other parts of the world.

• The first Cunningham in America was probably William Cunningham, who emigrated from Scotland in the early 1600s.

• He settled in Virginia and had a family. His descendants remained in Virginia for several generations before some of them moved to other parts of the country.

• Today, all Cunninghams can trace their early relatives back to medieval Scotland.