The surname Cuschieri has its origins in the Mediterranean island of Malta. It is believed to have derived from the Maltese word 'cusc', meaning a type of legume or bean. This suggests that the name may have originally referred to someone who cultivated or sold these legumes.

The earliest known records of the Cuschieri surname date back to the 15th century, when Malta was under the rule of the Kingdom of Aragon. It is likely that the name was initially spelled in a variety of ways, such as Cuscheri, Cuscieri, or Cussieri, before settling on its modern form.

One of the earliest documented individuals with this surname was Guglielmo Cuschieri, a Maltese nobleman who lived in the late 16th century. He was known for his involvement in the island's governance and served as a member of the Maltese Università, an advisory council to the Spanish crown.

In the 17th century, the Cuschieri family gained prominence in the town of Żebbuġ, where they owned several estates and properties. Notable members from this period include Franġisk Cuschieri (1628-1694), a wealthy landowner and benefactor who funded the construction of a church in the town.

During the 18th century, the Cuschieri surname began to spread beyond Malta as members of the family emigrated to other parts of Europe and the Mediterranean. One such individual was Girolamo Cuschieri (1737-1799), a Maltese priest who served as a professor of philosophy and theology at the University of Rome.

As the name gained recognition, it was also associated with several notable figures in the fields of art, literature, and politics. For example, Vincenzo Cuschieri (1823-1891) was a Maltese painter and sculptor who became known for his religious works and portraits of notable figures of his time.

Another prominent individual was Ġużeppi Cuschieri (1876-1952), a Maltese writer and journalist who advocated for the island's independence from British rule. He founded several publications and was actively involved in the Maltese cultural renaissance of the early 20th century.

While the Cuschieri name has its roots in Malta, it has since spread to various parts of the world, carried by individuals and families who have emigrated from the island over the centuries. However, its origins and historical significance remain deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Maltese archipelago.