Surname Cundey - Meaning and Origin
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Cundey: What does the surname Cundey mean?
The surname Cundey originates from the Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain and is a locational surname. It comes from a place-name derived from either two Old English individual names; Cunheard or Cunebald. As such it is likely to have been an occupational name deriving from someone who worked at a place associated with these names.
In Middle English, Cundey is recorded in Surrey and London as early as 1266 with Johannes de Cunde, and Emme de Cundey from Suffolk in 1185. It appears in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Returns of 1379 and also records a Adam Cundie from Kent in 1445.
In its earliest forms the spelling of the surname evolved, including Cundy, Conday, Cundee, Cundey, Condey, and Condy. Its English origins spread to other countries, during the period of the 17th - 19th centuries. It was recorded in Australia as early as the 1820s and migrated to other countries, including the United States, South Africa and Canada.
Today, Cundey is one of the many English surnames. The distribution of the Cundey name is widespread; it is found all over the UK, Australia and the United States - primarily in the south east. It is likely that many Cundeys will carry on the surname and that it will continue to be an important part of English culture.
Order DNA origin analysisCundey: Where does the name Cundey come from?
The last name Cundey is most commonly found in the United Kingdom. Records indicate that it was a surname prominent in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also a slightly rare surname in United States, Canada, and Australia.
In England, Cundey is found most commonly in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex Counties. It originated in Norfolk in the village of Burnham Thorpe, where a Thomas de Caunei was documented in 1272. The name may have English, French, or possibly even Belgian roots, as the word "cundy" or "cunday" is used to reference a small valley in Belgium.
As of September 2020, Cundey is the 11,034th most common surname in the world. There are over 560 people with the last name Cundey living in the United Kingdom right now, of which the vast majority are in the south of England. Around 182 are registered in the US and the name is particularly popular in California, Texas, and Arizona. In Canada, less than 50 are found nationwide.
Overall, Cundey is still a fairly uncommon surname in 2020, especially in comparison with some of the more popular last names found in the United Kingdom. Its prominence and use over the centuries, however, suggest deep roots in the British Isles for the Cundey family.
Variations of the surname Cundey
The surname Cundey has a variety of spellings and alternative surnames that stem from the same origin. The most common variant of the name is Cundy, while other variations are Condy, Cundie, Cundy and Cundey. Many spelling variations were found in old records, suggesting that a single name was often recorded under many different spellings. This is due to the fact that in the past the English language was not yet standardized, and so individuals regularly spelled their own names in different ways.
The family name Cundey likely has Anglo-Saxon origins and was first found in the counties of Kent and Norfolk. The name Cundey would have originally been derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century words "cuend" or "cuende," meaning bold or brave.
The surname Cundey is among the most common surnames found in Britain today. Further variations of the surname include Conde, Calindey, Connde, Canonte, Condy, Chande, Cunnee and Chantee.
In the United States, some of the most commonly found variations of the Cundey surname include Condy, Condia, Cundari, Cundey, Cande, Cundy and Candi. A large number of Americans bearing these surnames are descended from British relatives who first settled in the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Other surnames related to Cundey that are found among people of different European origins include Schunde, Counda, Sinde, Kunde, Chundare and Chinde. These are similar names which developed as a result of phonetic variations.
In conclusion, there are many variations of the Cundey surname, ranging from minor spelling changes to more extreme phonetic shifts. Some of the more common variations can be found in different countries and regions, and the original source of the name can be traced back to pre-medieval Anglo-Saxon roots.
Famous people with the name Cundey
- Dean Cundey: Hollywood cinematographer known for his work on movies such as Back to the Future, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Jurassic Park.
- Kathryn Cundey: British actress known for her roles in BBC television series such as Wolfblood and Call the Midwife.
- Matthew Cundey: British actor best known for his appearances in the soap opera EastEnders.
- Jack Cundey: British artist and illustrator.
- John Cundey: British actor, writer, director, and producer.
- Joan Cundey: English painter.
- Nigel Cundey: British television director.
- Kenny Cundey: British film editor.
- Fay Cundey: British actor.
- Rose Cundey: Singer-actress who appeared in several British films including Carry On Up the Jungle.