The Cushman Family History

What Does the Cushman Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Cushman, originating from England, is derived from the Latin word ‘coxa,’ which translates to ‘hip.’ In medieval Europe, the term ‘cuish man’ was utilized to describe an individual who crafted specialized armor designed to protect a knight’s thigh. Additionally, the Old French word ‘cusin’ denotes a familial connection, specifically that of a cousin. Variants of the name Cushman include Cosin, Kushman, Cosyns, Cozens, Cousin, Cossens, Cusyn, and Couzen. In England, families bearing the Cushman surname can predominantly be found in the counties of Kent, Sussex, Middlesex, London, Warwickshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. In Scotland, the surname is represented in the counties of Midlothian and Dunbartonshire. The earliest Cushman settlers in America established themselves in the New England region. By the 20th century, Cushman families had become concentrated in states such as Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan, Ohio, California, and Illinois. Notable individuals with the Cushman surname include the renowned 19th-century stage actress Charlotte Saunders Cushman, reality television personality Danielle Cushman, and Dr. Laura Cushman, the founder of the Cushman School in Miami-Dade County, Florida.