Cunninghame

Cunninghame is a historic region in southwest Scotland, centered in Ayrshire. It denotes a medieval and early modern county, and later a local government district during the late 20th century. The name derives from the lands of the Clan Cunningham, a prominent Lowland Scottish family; the surname Cunningham (and variant Cuninghame) originates from the same toponym.

In geography, Cunninghame occupied the northern part of Ayrshire along the Firth of Clyde, with inland parishes extending toward the inland uplands. The region bordered other Ayrshire divisions and, more broadly, was part of the historic sheriffdom of Ayr.

Historically, Cunninghame functioned as a county for administration, justice, and representation. In 1975, local government reform created the Cunninghame District within the Strathclyde Region, replacing the old county structures. In 1996, further reform replaced districts with two unitary authorities—North Ayrshire and East Ayrshire—covering much of the same territory. Since then, "Cunninghame" persists chiefly in historical contexts, genealogical references, and as a toponym used in cultural and organizational names.

In population and culture, the area contributed to the broader identity of Ayrshire, with rural communities and coastal towns around the Firth of Clyde. The surname Cunninghame remains a recognized variant of Cunningham, with many bearers tracing origins to the region.