Cullen surname: meaning and origin

Cullen means descendant of Cuilean, a name linked to holly (cuileann). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Wicklow, Dublin and Wexford.

Irish formÓ Cuilinn
Meaningdescendant of Cuilean, a name linked to holly (cuileann)
Home regionWicklow, Dublin and Wexford (Leinster)
OriginGaelic
VariantsO'Cullen, Cullinane

History of the Cullen name

Cullen is common in Leinster, and the name is usually linked to a holly tree. In Cork the same Irish name may become Cullinane.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname Cullen mean?

Cullen (Irish: Ó Cuilinn) means descendant of Cuilean, a name linked to holly (cuileann).

What is the Irish spelling of Cullen?

The Irish-language form of Cullen is Ó Cuilinn.

Where is the surname Cullen from?

Cullen is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Wicklow, Dublin and Wexford in Leinster.

What are other spellings of Cullen?

Related spellings and forms include O'Cullen, Cullinane.

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