The Cockuff surname comes from the Middle English word "cuffe," which meant "glove." It is thought that the name was originally an
occupational name for a maker or seller of gloves. Although most instances of the name in
Ireland were through migration from
England, there were native Irish bearers of Cockuff from the Gaelic form of O Duirnin. Although this name is usually Anglicized as Durnin, it had occasionally become "Cuffe" through mistranslation, since the Gaelic word "dorn" refers to "a fist."
Early Origins of the Cockuff family
The surname Cockuff was first found in
Kilkenny (Irish: Cill Chainnigh), the former Kingdom of Osraige (Ossory), located in Southeastern
Ireland in the province of
Leinster, where they held a
family seat from very ancient times.
Early History of the Cockuff family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cockuff research.
Another 203 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1670, 1678, 1641, 1694, 1744, 1737, 1804 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Cockuff History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Cockuff Spelling Variations
Before widespread literacy came to
Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous
spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name Cockuff family name. Variations found include Cuff, Cuffe, Couffe, Couff, Cuffy, Cuffey, Cuffie and others.
Early Notables of the Cockuff family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family up to this time was Sir James Cuffe (died 1678) was an Irish politician, son of Thomas Cuffe of
Somerset, he moved to
Ireland with his father and brother in 1641; Michael Cuffe (1694-1744), an Irish Member of Parliament; Agmondesham...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cockuff Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cockuff family to the New World and Oceana
Thousands of
Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Cockuff: Martin Cuffe who settled in Virginia in 1623; followed by John and Thomas in 1670; Richard Cuffe settled in Jamaica in 1670; John Cuff settled in Boston, Massachusetts in 1762.
The Cockuff 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: Animus tamen idem
Motto Translation: Yet our mind is unchanged.