Originally from the Clackmannanshire region of Scotland, Cunedda was chosen by the northern Welsh to help in their fight against Irish invaders. He subsequently became king of the northern region of Wales and settled in the area with his family, which included his nine sons.

The area of Gwynedd was named after him; Cardigan (Welsh language, "Ceredigion") and Merioneth ("Meirionydd") were named after his two sons Ceredig and Meirion.