The Cunningham Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Cunningham
Cunningham is an ancient Scottish locational surname derived from the district of Cunninghame in northern Ayrshire (from Old English cyning, king, and ham, home). The family traces back to Warnebald, a vassal of Richard de Morville who was granted the lands of Kilmaurs around 1140. The House of Cunningham rose to high nobility, becoming Earls of Glencairn, and played major roles in Scottish royal governance and military campaigns.
The symbolism of the Cunningham coat of arms
Visually iconic, the Cunningham coat of arms features an argent / silver or white shield charged with a broad black Y-shaped chevron (shakefork) set between three black five-pointed stars (mullets). In heraldry, the argent / silver or white shield symbolises sincerity and peace, while the black shakefork represents architectural strength and agricultural authority. The three black stars denote noble ambition and divine guidance. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays a silver unicorn's head erased. Below, the motto scroll displays Over Fork Over. Catalogued in Stodart's Scottish Arms and Burke's General Armory.
Historical figures
Hervé de Cunynghame (12th Century): Early Scottish knight granted the lands of Kilmaurs in Ayrshire.
William Cunningham, 9th Earl of Glencairn (c. 1610–1664): Lord Chancellor of Scotland and royalist commander.
Alexander Cunningham (1654–1737): Scottish historian and diplomat in London and Venice.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
