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Cutler History Etymology Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Citations

Cutler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Cutler

What does the name Cutler mean?

The saga of the name Cutler follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a knife-maker. The surname Cutler originally derived from the Old French Cotelier. 1

Early Origins of the Cutler family

The surname Cutler was first found in London, where the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Saleman le Cotiler as holding lands at that time. The same rolls listed Matilda la Cutiller, Lincolnshire. 2

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 had some interesting entries as a surname and as an occupation: Ricardus Hyngham, cotteter; Willelmus Cottelar; Thomas Hank, of Handsworth, colder; and Johannes Cotelar, of Handsworth, bakester. "From its frequency I should have expected a larger number of Cutlers in the present directories of that county. "2

Moving further north from Yorkshire into Scotland, it was a Galloway name. "Matthew de Coteleir of Berwick rendered homage in 1296. The Cutlers of Orroland, parish of Rerwick, are said to have obtained the lands from the monks of Dundrennan Abbey in 1437. The local tradition is that the first of the Cutlers who came to the parish was employed in sharpening the tools of the masons engaged in the erection of the abbey and thereby acquired their name. This is most improbable. There is no mention of the family until 1606 when John Cuidar was served heir to his father in Oroland. The surname occurs in Aberdeen in 1460. Hugh Cutler was repledged to liberty of burgh of Irvine, 1472, and Thomas Cutlar possessed a tenement in Brechin, 1493." 3

Early History of the Cutler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cutler research. Another 159 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1212, 1412, 1503, 1540, 1608, 1657, 1693, 1698, 1792, 1796, 1803, 1812, 1818, 1821 and 1823 are included under the topic Early Cutler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cutler Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Cutler were recorded, including Cutler, Cutlere, Cuttler, Coutler, Coutlere, Coutlar, Cutlar, Cutlur, Cutlare, Cuttlar, Cuttlure, Couttler and many more.

Early Notables of the Cutler family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

Sir John Cutler (1608?-1693), a wealthy merchant of London, whose avarice, handed down by tradition and anecdote to Pope, has become immortal, was the son of Thomas Cutler, a member of the Grocers' Co...
’ In 1657, when Lord Strafford was obliged to part with his estate and manor of Harewood and Gawthorpe in Yorkshire, Cutler, along with Sir John Lewys, bart...

Cutler Ranking

In the United States, the name Cutler is the 2,185^th most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 4 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Cutler is ranked the 406^th most popular surname with an estimated 116 people with that name. 5

Cutler migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Cutler family emigrate to North America:

Cutler Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

James Cutler of Watertown, Massachusetts, who settled there in the year 1635
Chr Cutler, who arrived in Virginia in 1637 6
Richard Cutler, who landed in Massachusetts in 1641 6
James Cutler, who arrived in Virginia in 1664 6
Robert Cutler, who arrived in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1665 6
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cutler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

William Cutler, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1844 6
J M Cutler, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1850 6
Kasper H Cutler, aged 29, who arrived in New Orleans, La in 1853-1854 6
J A Cutler, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1860 6
S M Cutler, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1860 6
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cutler Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Ada May Cutler, aged 15, who immigrated to the United States from Essex, in 1905
Arthur Cutler, aged 52, who settled in America, in 1905
Alvin B. Cutler, aged 2, who landed in America, in 1908
Amy J. Cutler, who immigrated to the United States, in 1909
Everd Mary Cutler, aged 26, who immigrated to America from Kilheshine, Ireland, in 1909
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cutler migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Cutler Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mr. Anthony Cutler U.E. who settled in Shefford Township, Eastern Townships, Quebec c. 1783 listed as an association of Captain John Savage 7
Ensign Thomas Cutler U.E. (b. 1752) born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA from Hatfield, Massachusetts, USA who settled in Chedabucto Bay [Port Mouton], Nova Scotia c. 1783 he severed as part of Governor Wentworth's Volunteers then Orange Rangers Regiment, married to Elizabeth Goldsbury they had 5 children he died in 1837 7
Mr. Thomas Cutler U.E. who settled in Canada c. 1783 7

Cutler Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Edith Cutler, aged 23, who immigrated to Halifax Nova Scotia, in 1905
Arthur Charles Cutler, aged 34, who immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1921
Betty Kathleen Cutler, who settled in Toronto, Canada, in 1921

Cutler migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Cutler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Cutler, English convict who was convicted in London, England for life, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 8
Benjamin Cutler, a builder, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
Mr. Joseph Cutler, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "David Lyon" on 29th April 1830, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 9
Mr. Job Cutler, (b. 1819), aged 22, English labourer who was convicted in Dorset, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "David Clarke" on 3rd June 1841, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he died in 1842 10
William Cutler, English convict from Wiltshire, who was transported aboard the "Agincourt" on July 6, 1844, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cutler migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Cutler Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. John Cutler, (b. 1822), aged 41, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Huntress" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st April 1863 12
Mrs. Mary Ann Cutler, (b. 1823), aged 40, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Huntress" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st April 1863 12
Miss Susannah Cutler, (b. 1847), aged 16, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Huntress" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st April 1863 12
Miss Sarah Ann Cutler, (b. 1850), aged 13, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Huntress" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st April 1863 12
Mr. Richard John Cutler, (b. 1855), aged 8, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Huntress" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st April 1863 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Cutler migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 13

Cutler Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Clinton Cutler, aged 20, who landed in St Christopher in 1635 6
Tho Cutler, aged 35, who landed in Barbados in 1635 6
Mr. Thomas Cutler, (b. 1600), aged 35, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 14
Mr. Clinton Cutler, (b. 1615), aged 20, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Matthew" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 15
Clinton Cutler also settled in 1635 in St. Christopher (Saint Kitts)
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Cutler (post 1700) +

John Cutler (1947-2023), American audio engineer, known for his work with the Grateful Dead
Lysander Cutler (1807-1866), American businessman, educator and Union Army General during the American Civil War
David Neil "Dave" Cutler Sr. (b. 1942), American software engineer, head designer of Microsoft Windows NT
R.J. Cutler, American Emmy Award and Peabody Award winning, two-time Academy Award nominated filmmaker, television producer and theater director
John Alpheus Cutler (1784-1864), American leader in the Latter Day Saint movement
Kenny Cutler (b. 1982), American soccer player
Eric Cutler, American tenor
Lloyd Norton Cutler (1917-2005), American attorney, White House Counsel during for President Carter and Clinton
Scott Michael Cutler, American Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated songwriter, musician, record producer, and music executive
Manasseh Cutler (1742-1823), American clergyman and politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts (1801-1803) and (1803-1805)
... (Another 14 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Cutler family +

HMS Royal Oak

Joseph Arthur Cutler (1920-1939), British Blacksmith 5th Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 16
Frank Cutler, British Able Seaman with the Royal Fleet Reserve aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 16

SS Caribou

Mr. Howard Cutler (b. 1897), Newfoundland crew member mail officer from Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking

Citations +

Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd June 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/david-lyon
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd June 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/david-clarke
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Agincourt voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1844 with 226 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/agincourt/1844
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html