Cullingford Family History

The origin of the name appears to be uncertain, possibly altered from a name with roots outside of East Anglia. One possible derivation is from the WR Yorkshire name Cullingworth, also known as Collingwood, where the suffix -ford may have been substituted for both -worth and -wood.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, records from Norfolk and Suffolk provide instances of names that seem to support this theory. Examples include Thomas Collingworthe in 1582, Andrew Cullinworth in 1606, and Ellen Collingworth in 1664, all found in the IGI (Norwich, Norfolk). Other records include Geo. Collingwood in 1584 from Glemsford, Suffolk, and Robt. Collingwood in 1607 from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

Alternatively, the NE surname Collingwood might serve as yet another potential source. It is also possible that Cullingworth, Collingwood, and perhaps Cullingford are variants of the Leicestershire or Northumbrian name Killingworth. The vowel rounding might suggest a connection, as indicated by Johes Kyllyngworthe from 1545 in Norwich.

Further comparisons can be drawn with records such as John Killingsworth in 1565 and Elizabeth Killingworth in 1634, both from Little Plumstead, Norfolk. These names can be associated alongside Alse Collingwood from 1563 and Thomas Collingwood from 1627 in the same area. However, without genealogical evidence, it is challenging to ascertain whether these represent variants of a single name or if they are distinct names that coincidentally appeared within the same regions.

Additionally, the relationship between the surname and Collingsford Bridge in Wetheringsett, Suffolk remains unknown, further complicating the exploration of this name’s origins.