Cunningham

Clan Cunningham, a territorial name from Ayrshire, likely meaning “milk‑pail village.” The first Cunningham received lands between 1160 and 1180. Legend says Malcolm hid King Malcolm III under hay, inspiring the “shake‑fork” crest and motto “Over fork over.” Hervy de Cunningham fought at Largs (1263). A grandson became the first Earl of Glencairn. The Cunninghams feuded violently with the Montgomeries for two centuries, ending in 1661 by marriage. The family took part in the Ulster Plantation. The earldom died out in 1796. After over 200 years without a chief, Sir John Cunningham of Corsehill was recognised by the Lord Lyon in 2014.