Surname Cullen - Meaning and Origin

Exploring my Celtic Roots: A Personal Journey Through the iGENEA DNA Test

I embarked on a journey of self-discovery using the iGENEA DNA test, aiming to unravel more about my surname, Cullen. From the user-friendly process to valuable insights about my heritage and connections with people sharing the same surname, the experience was indeed enlightening.

V. Cullen

Cullen: What does the surname Cullen mean?

The surname Cullen is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Cuilinn" which translates to "descendant of Cuileann". Cuileann itself is a personal name which means "holly" in English. Therefore, the surname Cullen can be implied to refer to 'descendant of the one who is as strong and resilient as holly'. The name Cullen has different variants like Cullin, Cullan, and Cullane. It is important to note holly is often symbolic of truth and resilience in various Celtic and general European cultural narratives. Thus, the surname Cullen can suggest a lineage characterized by strength, resilience, and unwavering character. It is also a popular place name in Scotland; with the Scottish version of the name derived from the Gaelic word "cuilionn" meaning "holly wood".

Cullen: Where does the name Cullen come from?

The last name Cullen originates from Ireland. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Ó Cuilinn" (descendant of Cuileann), 'Cuileann' meaning holly in English. This name was given to people who lived in regions surrounded by holly trees. In earlier times, it was also seen as an anglicized form of "Ó Cuileannáin", which is a reduction of "Ó Cuilinn" with a diminutive suffix.

Today, the name is most widely seen in Ireland and Scotland, with a significant number also in the United States, Canada, Australia, and England. The Cullen surname is popular in County Clare and Cork in Ireland. Despite its global spread, Cullen continues to be associated with its Irish heritage and remains substantially prevalent in its country of origin. Notably, in the world of fiction, it was popularized by the character Edward Cullen in the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer. The surname is thus common in both real and fictional contexts, spread across various part of the world.

Variations of the surname Cullen

The surname Cullen has several variants and spelling due to regional differences, language translation, and genealogical changes. Some alternate spellings and variations of Cullen include Cullin, Cullan, Culen, Cullinan, Culloen, Cullion, Cullane, Cullain and O'Cullen.

The surname Cullen has Irish origins, coming from the Gaelic name O'Cuileannain, meaning "descendant of Cuileannan," a personal name derived from 'cuileann', meaning holly.

In Scotland, it is also thought to have derived from the place name Cullen in Banffshire. People with the Cullen surname from this area of Scotland are known as Cullen of that Ilk (Ilk meaning “the same” in Scottish).

One must also consider the surname McCullen, which simply means 'son of Cullen'.

Additionally, there are similar surnames from the same Gaelic origin that may suggest a familial relationship or similar regional origin, and these include names like Callan, Culliton, and Culligan.

These variants can often lead to unique interpretations and misspellings, especially when transcribed in older documents or when migrating from one language to another.

Famous people with the name Cullen

• Robert Cullen: An Irish professional footballer.
• Edward Cullen: A fictional character in the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer.
• Father Edward J. Cullen: A retired Auxiliary Bishop of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
• Joseph Cullen: A British choral conductor.
• Paul Cullen: A former Australian professional rugby league footballer.
• Thomas Cullen: A Canadian politician and judge.
• John Cullen: A former professional ice hockey player for the NHL.
• Kevin Cullen: A journalist with the Boston Globe.
• Coronji Calhoun Sr, also known as Cee Cee Cullen: An American actor, best known for his role in the movie "Monster's Ball".
• John Cullen Murphy: An American illustrator best known for his three decades of work on the Prince Valiant comic strip.
• Countee Cullen: A prominent African-American poet, novelist, and playwright during the Harlem Renaissance.
• Alan Cullen: A British television scriptwriter.
• John Cullen: A ceramic artist based in the United Kingdom.
• Jim Cullen: An American historian known for his work on popular culture.
• Claire Cullen: An Irish sports journalist.

Other surnames

CullensCulley