Surname Mulkey - Meaning and Origin

A Genetic Journey Unveiled: iGENEA DNA Test Decodes the Multi-Ethnic Lineage of the Mulkey Surname

My recent iGENEA DNA test results unveiled intriguing details associated with my Mulkey ancestral lineage. From a predominant European heritage to unexpected traces of North African and Scandinavian ancestry, this genetic journey shines a spotlight on my family tree's rich and diverse roots.

V. Mulkey

Mulkey: What does the surname Mulkey mean?

Mulkey is an English surname of Old Norse origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name 'Mulikr'. The meaning of Mulkey is presumably 'mule driver' or 'muleteer', someone who drives mules. This suggests that the progenitors of the name likely worked with mules, perhaps in farming or transportation, indicating an occupational origin for the surname. However, it should be noted that the exact meaning of many Old Norse names may be obscure or uncertain. Over time, the name may have transformed phonetically into its current form. Like other surnames, it would have originally served to identify individuals by their occupation or other personal characteristics. The geographical distribution of the surname Mulkey in modern times is primarily in the United States, particularly in the South, reflecting the patterns of English and Nordic immigration to America.

Mulkey: Where does the name Mulkey come from?

The surname Mulkey is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derived from the early medieval English given name Mulk, which is a diminutive of the personal name Mul. In some instances, "Mulkey" could also have emerged as a variation of the surname Malkin, which originated from a pet form of the female given name Maud.

The surname is not extremely common, but it can be found in several regions worldwide. According to available data, although the name likely has British origins, it has spread over centuries, and today it is somewhat common in the United States. There are several individuals with the surname Mulkey in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, California, and Georgia. As people continue to move extensively in the modern era, individuals bearing this surname can also be found scattered in other parts of the world. Nonetheless, the surname Mulkey remains most common in the United States. There are also Mulkey families found in smaller numbers in Canada and England.

Variations of the surname Mulkey

The surname Mulkey is of Irish origin and was originally spelled as "Mulcahy" in Ireland. It changed profoundly as it entered the American culture, resulting in many different spelling variations. Besides Mulkey, this last name can be found as Mulkeen, Mulqueen, Mulcahey, Mulcahoy, Mulcahy, Melky, Malky, Mulka, Mulken, Mulkay, Molkie, and Mulki. Mulkehay, Molko, Mulkaey, Mulcoy, and Minkie are also seen in some documents.

In some instances, the surname might be spelled as “Malky”, which probably resulted from a phonetic transcription of the name. Surnames like Malki, Molkie, and Mulki may actually be derived from the surname Malik but can be seen as a variant spelling for Mulkey.

In terms of related or derived surnames, it doesn't appear to branch out from the identified variants. Given the Irish origin, the Mulkeys may be connected by bloodlines with other Irish families, but will not share the same surnames.

It’s important to note that surname spellings may vary over time and place due to different cultures and languages even within the same family line. Tracking the origins and forms of a surname can aid in tracing family ancestry.

Famous people with the name Mulkey

• Gail Mulkey: former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives
• Don Mulkey: former Major League Baseball pitcher
• Gillian Mulkey: actress and YouTuber
• John Mulkey: former Tennessee state senator
• Calvin Mulkey: professional basketball player
• Ray Mulkey: NASCAR driver
• Billy Ray Mulkey: US Army soldier who served in the Vietnam War
• Roddy Mulkey: Christian singer and songwriter
• Brian Mulkey: collegiate basketball coach
• J.R. Mulkey: former NFL safety

Other surnames

Mulkee