Clan Cunningham Resources
🔹 Official Clan Associations
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Clan Cunningham International (CCI) A non-political, non-sectarian, all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of Clan Cunningham. CCI offers resources, events, and membership opportunities for those interested in the clan’s history and culture.
https://clancunninghamintl.org/clancunninghamintl.org
🔹 Historical Resources
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Clan Cunningham – Wikipedia Provides a detailed overview of the clan’s origins, history, and significant events.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Cunningham -
Clan Cunningham History – Clan Cunningham International Explores the early history and origins of the clan, detailing its role in Scottish history and the significance of its members.
https://clancunninghamintl.org/history/
🔹 Genealogical Resources
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Genealogy Resources – Clan Cunningham International Provides guidance on researching Cunningham family history, offering resources and assistance for genealogical research.
https://clancunninghamintl.org/genealogy-resources/ -
Cunningham Family Papers, 1788-1928 – University of New Hampshire Library Houses photographs, family correspondence, wills, land deeds, and genealogical information related to the Cunningham family.
https://library.unh.edu/find/archives/collections/cunningham-family-papers-1788-1928Library | University of New Hampshire -
Clan Cunningham – WikiTree A collaborative family tree project dedicated to tracing the lineage and connections of the Cunningham family.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Clan_Cunningham
🔹 Notable Figures
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Alexander Cunningham, 1st Earl of Glencairn Elevated the clan’s status by acquiring the earldom of Glencairn in 1488.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_CunninghamWikipedia+2Wikipedia – Die freie Enzyklopädie+2Wikipedia+2
🔹 Community Engagement
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Clan Cunningham International – Membership Offers opportunities for individuals to join, participate in events, and connect with others of Cunningham descent.
https://clancunninghamintl.org/ -
Clan Cunningham History – YouTube A video providing insights into the history of Clan Cunningham.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uS74MR76At8
Clan Cunningham is a lowland Scottish Clan originating in the Ayrshire district. The surname Cunningham likely developed from the place name Cunninghame, which was derived from the words cunny, which means rabbit, and hame, meaning home, therefore the Cunningham etymology is “rabbit’s home”. According to legend, the first people to adopt the surname Cunningham were Warnebald and his son Robertus, sometime in the 12th century, after they received a grant of land in Cunninghame. It is believed that the Cunningham Clan, led by Harvey de Cunninghame aided Alexander III in his battle against the vikings in 1263. The Cunningham’s were also supporters of Robert the Bruce in the First War of Scottish Independence.
The motto of the clan is “over fork over”, The clan’s motto is said to have be derived from a traditional clan story that Malcolm, son of Friskin, helped Prince Malcolm escape death by hiding him under hay. The motto “over fork over” would symbolize the deed of burying the prince with a pitch fork. The the clans crest features a unicorn’s head.
The historic seat of Clan Cunningham is Finlaystone Castle in the village of Langbank, Renfrewshire. The Castle was originally owned by the Dennistoun family and was passed to the Cunningham’s through marriage in the 15th century. In 1796 the chief of Clan Cunningham died without an heir and the castle was passed to a cousin Robert Graham. In 1862 the Grahams sold the property and it has passed though many hands until the early 20th century when it was purchased by the MacMillan Chief and became the current seat of that clan.
After the chief’s death in 1976 the chiefship of the clan became dormant for over 200 years. In 2013 Sir John Christopher Foggo Montgomery Cunninghame, Baronet of Corsehill, was recognized by the Lord Lyon Court as the rightful clan chief.
Clan Cunningham International was founded in 2002 and is open to all Cunningham’s, descendants and associated families of the clan around the world. The society is a member of the Council of Scottish Clans and Associations.
Further Reading:
Clan Feud – Montgomery vs. Cunningham
