Cuthbert – Name Meaning

The name Cuthbert is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English words “cuth” meaning “famous” and “beorht” meaning “bright.” The name was popularized by Saint Cuthbert, an 8th century monk who was known for his piety and wisdom. It has been used as a given name in England since the Middle Ages.

History of the Name

Saint Cuthbert was born in Northumbria in 634 AD. He was a monk at Melrose Abbey and later became Bishop of Lindisfarne. He was known for his holiness and miracles, and he was venerated as a saint after his death in 687 AD. His shrine at Durham Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.

The name Cuthbert began to be used as a given name in England during the Middle Ages, likely due to its association with Saint Cuthbert. It remained popular throughout the centuries, although it has become less common in recent years.

Popularity

Cuthbert is not currently among the top 1000 most popular names in England or Wales. However, it remains a traditional choice for parents looking for an old-fashioned name with religious significance.

Famous People Named Cuthbert

There have been several famous people named Cuthbert throughout history, including:

  • Cuthbert Collingwood (1750-1810), British admiral who served under Lord Nelson during the Napoleonic Wars
  • Cuthbert Grant (1793-1854), Métis leader who fought against Canada during the Red River Rebellion
  • Cuthbert Bede (1803-1881), English author best known for his humorous novels about life at Oxford University
  • Cuthbert Hurd (1845-1921), American politician who served as Governor of New Jersey from 1891 to 1893

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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