Surname Cullan - Meaning and Origin

Cullan: What does the surname Cullan mean?

The last name Cullan has two possible origins with different meanings. It could be derived from a Celtic word meaning “hound” or “servant”, or from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “swift”, “bold” or “courageous”. The name was most likely popularized in Ireland in the late 17th century.

When it was brought to the United States of America, the name Cullan had already been in Europe for centuries. Many Cullans eventually settled in the Northeast, primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, though they could be found in other parts of the country as well. As recently as 1990, the surname was still particularly concentrated in the northeast of the United States.

The name Cullan is also common as a first name in some countries. Given the various origins and meanings of the name, a name bearer could have a wide range of interpretations of their surname depending on their family history. To some, it could be a reminder of their ancestor’s courage and swiftness. For others, their last name could be associated with their ancestor’s loyalty and vigor.

Cullan: Where does the name Cullan come from?

The last name Cullan is predominantly found in the United States, as well as in the United Kingdom. In the US, Cullan is most commonly found within the state of Illinois, although it also appears in states including Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

In the UK, Cullan is most commonly found in the county of Greater Manchester. However, it is also found in smaller numbers in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. According to a map created using information obtained from the 1901 UK census, the highest concentration of Cullan surnames was located in southern Lancashire.

Although this surname may have originated in either England or Scotland, it is known to have been in Ireland since the 17th century. Evidence suggests that families bearing the surname may have arrived in the country as a result of the plantation process initiated by the British crown in the 1600s.

Cullans in the UK and in the US today are most likely of Irish descent. However, due to the history of migration that occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, there may still be individuals in these countries with Cullan surnames whose ancestors had a different origin.

Variations of the surname Cullan

Cullan is an Irish surname with a few spelling variations. The spelling variations of Cullan include Cullane, Cullan, Cullin, Kullan, Kullane, Kullin, Cuillean, and Cuillin.

The surname Cullan is believed to be of Anglo-Norman French origin. It is likely a locational surname of English origin derived from either the Old English word “cul” meaning “nook” or the Middle English word “culle” meaning “cudgel”. It is possible that the surname Cullan is derived from a place called Cullan in Warwickshire.

The name is most likely first seen in County Clare, Ireland. It is believed to have been brought to the region by settlers from England, Wales, and Scotland in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The surname Cullan is quite common in Ireland today. It is a relatively uncommon surname in the United States, however. People with the name Cullan are believed to have emigrated from Ireland to the United States during the 19th century.

Variant spellings other than Cullan for the same surname include Cuillin, Cuillean, Cullin, Kullin, Cullane, and Kullane. Some other surnames with similar origin are Cullen and Cullinane. These variants are all derived from the same root of the surname Cullan and generally denote a similar meaning.

Famous people with the name Cullan

• Julia Cullen: Canadian television writer, actress and producer
• David Cullen: British composer of concert music, films, and musicals
• Timothy Cullen: Irish actor, screenwriter and theatre director
• Tom Cullen: Welsh actor and model
• Floella Benjamin, Baroness Benjamin: Trinidadian-British actress, author, television presenter, singer, businesswoman, politician, and activist
• Dave Cullen: American author
• Simon Cullen: Australian radio announcer and television presenter
• Nick Cullen: Australian professional golfer
• Gavin Cullen: Australian cricketer
• Dan Cullen: American writer and actor
• Laura Cullen: Canadian singer-songwriter
• Harry Cullen: Irish actor
• Adam Cullen: Australian artist
• Diarmuid Cullen: Irish bishop and theologian
• Matt Cullen: American former professional ice hockey player
• Ryan Cullen: Australian comedian, writer and actor
• Terry Cullen: Irish former professional Gaelic footballer and manager
• Edward Forbes Cullen: American businessman
• J. J. Cullen: Irish former Fianna Fáil politician

Other surnames

CullananeCullane