How Do You Spell CUNNINGHAM?

Pronunciation: [kˈʌnɪŋəm] (IPA)

The word "Cunningham" is spelled exactly as it sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈkʌnɪŋhəm/. The first syllable "cun-" sounds like "kun" with a short u sound. The second syllable "-ning" sounds like "ning" with a short i sound. The last syllable "-ham" sounds like "ham" with a short a sound. All three syllables are stressed equally. The spelling of this word is straightforward and reflects the English language's pronunciation rules.

CUNNINGHAM Meaning and Definition

1. Cunningham is a noun that refers to a surname of Gaelic origin, primarily found in Scotland and Ireland. It signifies a person's surname and is derived from the Gaelic word "cuinneagán," which means "milk pail" or "household servant." Initially, the name was given to individuals who worked as household servants or milkmaids in feudal times.

   Additionally, Cunningham can also refer to a place name, most commonly associated with the Cunninghame District in Ayrshire, Scotland. The district is known for its ancient history and connections to Scottish nobility.

   Furthermore, Cunningham may also refer to an individual's given name. In this context, it signifies a person's first name and can be used for males or females. However, in contemporary usage, it is more commonly used as a surname than a given name.

   In a broader sense, Cunningham can also be associated with certain attributes or characteristics, such as being resourceful, clever, or shrewd. These traits are often attributed to individuals with the surname Cunningham, as they are believed to have inherited or developed a cunning nature.

   Overall, Cunningham encompasses a range of meanings, from a surname of Gaelic origin to a place name and even a given name. The nature of the name is rooted in historical and cultural contexts, while also embodying attributes associated with resourcefulness and cleverness.

Top Common Misspellings for CUNNINGHAM *

• cunninghams 30.3030303%
• cunninham 30.3030303%
• cunnigham 12.1212121%
• chunningham 6.060606%
• cunninhams 6.060606%
• cuningham 6.060606%
• cuninghams 6.060606%
• buningham 3.030303%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CUNNINGHAM

• bunkingham
• cunningam
• cunnungham
• cuuninghan
• cunninghan
• unningham
• Conningham
• Cunyngham
• Cunnygham
• Cuninghamh
• Conninghan

Etymology of CUNNINGHAM

The surname "Cunningham" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Kúningi" meaning "royal" or "chieftain", combined with the Old English word "ham", which refers to a settlement or village. The combination of these elements produced the meaning "chief's settlement" or "village of the chief". Over time, "Kúningi's ham" eventually evolved into "Cunningham". The surname is primarily associated with the historical Cunninghame district located in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Similar spelling words for CUNNINGHAM

• cunning,
• cumming,
• cunningly,
• cunnington,
• Canning,
• Cummingham.