Show ContentsCutberth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

A people of the Scottish/English Borderlands known as the Strathclyde Britons were the first to use the name Cutberth. It is derived from an Old English personal name meaning bright champion.

Early Origins of the Cutberth family

The surname Cutberth was first found in Kirkcudbrightshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Chille Chuithbheirt), part of the present day Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, former county in Southwestern Scotland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. They were descended from Saint Cuthbert of Landisfarne (d. 687) in Northumberland. The name Kirkcudbright literally means "Cuthbert's Church."

"St. Cuthbert, according to the legends of the times, was born of British parents in Cumberland, about the year 600. As Cuthbert advanced in years, he became such a distinguished character, that he was raised to the dignity of abbot in the abbey of Landisferne. Of his miracles and exploits many marvellous tales are recorded; and even after his death his relics are said to have retained miraculous virtues; and to their accidental touch is ascribed the healing power which the holy well in this parish is presumed to possess." 1

Cuthbert (d. 758), was Archbishop of Canterbury, said to have been of noble parentage, first appears as abbot of Liminge in Kent. 2

Early History of the Cutberth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cutberth research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1466, 1640, 1778 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Cutberth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cutberth Spelling Variations

In the era before dictionaries, there were no rules governing the spelling or translation of names or any other words. Consequently, there are an enormous number of spelling variations in Medieval Scottish names. Cutberth has appeared as Cuthbert, Cudbert, Cuthberd, Cudberd, Cuthburst, Cuthburt, Cudburt and many more.

Early Notables of the Cutberth family

More information is included under the topic Early Cutberth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Cutberth family to Ireland

Some of the Cutberth family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 82 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cutberth family

The freedom, opportunity, and land of the North American colonies beckoned. There, Scots found a place where they were generally free from persecution and where they could go on to become important players in the birth of new nations. Some fought in the American War of Independence, while others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these Scottish settlers have been able to recover their lost national heritage in the last century through highland games and Clan societies in North America. Among them: Alexander Cuthbert and his daughter Elizabeth settled in Barbados in 1678; David Cuthbert settled in Maryland in 1774; George, Ann, Joseph and Fanny Cuthbert arrived in New York State in 1804.



The Cutberth Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Nec minus fortiter
Motto Translation: Not less bravely.


  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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