Cuthbert

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Cuthbert

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Cuthbert is the modern form of the Old English name Cuthbeorht, meaning “Famous, Bright.”

History:
Cuthbert was a fairly common Old English name, probably due to the influence of St. Cuthbert, the bishop at Lindsfardane. It was one of the few Anglo-Saxon names to survive the Norman invasion of 1066, even flourishing in northern England until the Reformation made saintly names less common.

Cuthbert is said to have been revived in 19th century England by the Tractarians, who popularized many of the names of old British saints (including: Aidan, Alban, Anselm, Basil, Bernard, Chad, Dunstan, Wilfred etc.).

However, by early 20th century, Cuthbert was “sissy name.” Indeed, in World War I a “cuthbert” was a generic term for one who avoided military service.

Pronunciation: cuth-bert.

Diminutives:
English: Cuddy.

Alternates: Cudbert.
Scottish Gaelic: Cuithbeart, Cuithbrig.

Famous Bearers:
Military:
Cuthbert Collingwood (1748-1810)
British naval officer.

Miscellaneous:
Cuthbert Burbage (1566-1636)
Builder of the Globe Theater.

Religious Figures:
St. Cuthbert (635-687)
A bishop at Lindisfarne.
St. Cuthbert (-758)
An archbishop of Canterbury.
Cuthbert Tunstall (1474-1559)
English bishop.
St. Cuthbert Mayne (-1577)
English martyr.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
less than 0.004 % named Cuthbert
0.001 % surnamed Cuthbert

Popularity of Cuthbert:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-2000: N/A