Sir David Cunningham, 1st Baronet of Robertland was the grandson of David Cunninghame of Robertland, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland for King James VI of Scotland. He was, by King Charles I, created a Baronet of Nova Scotia on 25 November 1630, by Letters Patent to him and his heirs male whatsoever.
A number of letters to him from his older cousin Sir David Cunningham, 1st Baronet of Auchinhervie survive in the National Archives of Scotland.
Like his father, Sir James Cunningham of Robertland, Gentleman of the Bedchamber to King Charles I, Sir David was a zealous cavalier, and in the subsequent civil wars he suffered much on account of his loyalty to his monarch.
He was succeeded by his son, David Cunningham, 2nd Baronet of Robertland, Commissioner of Supply for Ayrshire.