Surname Cussane - Meaning and Origin

Cussane: What does the surname Cussane mean?

The last name Cussane (or Cussen, Cussenane, or Cusson) is an Irish surname of Norman origin. It is derived from the Norman personal name "Cussan" which means “wise” or “prudent”. The name is thought to have been introduced to Ireland by the Norman invaders of the 12th century.

In Ireland, the Cussane family was originally found in Co. Cork and Co. Clare. From there, they spread mainly to Co. Limerick, Co. Waterford and Co. Tipperary. They were a prominent family in the area for many centuries and were considered to be among the greatest of the old Irish gentry.

In modern times, the Cussane’s have been mainly associated with the professions such as accounting, banking, law, engineering, and medicine. They are widely distributed throughout Ireland and may also be found in England, Scotland, Australia, and the United States.

The Cussane name continues to be an important name in Irish genealogy, and it is a powerful reminder of the Norman influence in Irish culture. It represents a proud family heritage that continues to this day.

Cussane: Where does the name Cussane come from?

The last name Cussane is most commonly found in Ireland today. This surname can often be found in counties such as County Clare, County Limerick, and County Cork. According to family histories, Cussane first appeared in County Clare when Edmond O'Cussane came to Clare in the early 1500s. The O'Cussanes of County Clare were largely located in the small town of Doolin in the Barony of Corcomroe.

The distribution of the Cussane name is largely concentrated in western Ireland, with it having a much lower presence in other parts of the country. According to the surnames census map for Ireland, Cussane is found widely throughout Connacht and sparsely in the central province of Ulster. County Clare has the highest concentration of Cussane in Ireland.

The Cussane name as known by family histories is a derivative of the old Irish, or Gaelic, surname O'Cussain. The O'Cussain family were thought to be descended from a local branch of the O'Donnell family who ruled in nearby County Sligo. It is thought that the Cussane name first emerged around the late 16th century in County Clare.

Today, the last name Cussane is still very common in Ireland, particularly in its original western settlements. Its presence is strongest in County Clare, but can be seen throughout western and northern parts of the country.

Variations of the surname Cussane

The surname Cussane may have many variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin, including Cusson, Cussen, Cisson, Cushon, Cussin, Cushun, Caisson, Cazen, Cassion, Caison, and Casson.

Cussane is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word “cousin”, which means “kinsman” or “relative”. According to some sources, the name may even be derived from Latin, with “cusamans” meaning “cousin”.

The Cussane family has been associated with many historical events throughout history. In fact, some Cussanes have had successful and influential positions in the French court. For example, Gentil Cussan, the Lord of Larcac in the 12th century, was killed during the Albigensian Crusade.

The name Cussane has spread throughout the world over the centuries. For instance, during the 17th century, members of this family were among the French settlers of the then newly founded Quebec City in Canada and their descendants have since been known as the “Cousins of Quebec”. During the 19th century, the Cussanes also settled in the United States, particularly in South Carolina.

The name Cussane can be found in the present-day in many countries, such as France, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and elsewhere. The name is often associated with the spelling Cusson or Cussen, although other spellings also exist. However, the spelling Cussane is still retained in some places as an indication of the original French roots of the family.

Famous people with the name Cussane

• Patrick Cassan: French Figure Skater
• Padraig Cussane: Former Gaelic Footballer
• Seán Ó Cussáin: Irish Traditional Musician
• Peter Cussans: English Company Lawyer
• Conor Cussane: Professional Irish Soccer Player
• Peter Cussane: Former Climatholigist and Meteorologist
• Kieran Cussane: Irish Boxer
• Henry Mooney Cussane: Irish Legal Historian
• Paul Cussane: Canadian Author
• Roxane Cussane: French Actress and Model

Other surnames

Cussack