Cupid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Cupid

What does the name Cupid mean?

The Cupid name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Cupid is derived from the personal name Jacob. The surname Cupid is derived from Cob, which is a pet form of the name Jacob, and is supplemented by the common diminutive suffix -et. Some experts state that the surname Cupid is a nickname derived from the Old English word cubit, which means elbow. One expert is dumbfounded: "I cannot explain the somewhat common and well-known surname, unless it be a diminutive or corruption of a personal name. " 1

Early Origins of the Cupid family

The surname Cupid was first found in Norfolk, where Geoffrey Cobet and Roger Cobet were both listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 2

Early History of the Cupid family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cupid research. Another 77 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1400 and 1566 are included under the topic Early Cupid History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cupid Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Cupid were recorded, including Cubitt, Cowbitt, Cobbett, Cubyt, Cubbert, Cubit and many more.

Early Notables of the Cupid family

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

Migration of the Cupid family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Cupid family emigrate to North America: Isaac Cubbert who settled in New York State in 1811; William Cubit settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1866.

Sources +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)