Scotland
IrelandThe ancestors of the Cudburt family lived among the Strathclyde people of the Scottish/English Borderlands. Their name is derived from an Old English personal name meaning bright champion.
The surname Cudburt 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]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cudburt research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1466, 1640, 1778 and are included under the topic Early Cudburt History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Cudburt has appeared as Cuthbert, Cudbert, Cuthberd, Cudberd, Cuthburst, Cuthburt, Cudburt and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Cudburt Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Cudburt family to IrelandSome of the Cudburt 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.
As the persecution of Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. 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.
