Surname Cull - Meaning and Origin
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Cull: What does the surname Cull mean?
The surname Cull is of English origin and is derived from a medieval given name, Cul. It is from a short form of any of the various Old Norse personal names that begin with the element 'Kol', which is believed to mean "black" or "coal". Thus, the last name Cull could be linked to dark or black features of the original bearers. It may also have been used as a nickname for someone with a dark complexion.
Alternatively, it can be an occupational name for someone who selected or gathered items, derived from the Middle English word ‘cullen’ or ‘cullier’, referring to choosing or picking. As surnames evolved, the name Cull could also indicate someone who lived by a notable tree, thought to be derived from the Gaelic word “coll” (meaning hazel). Like many surnames, the exact meaning could depend on regional factors and family history.
Please note, the meaning of a surname should be considered speculative as it’s difficult to trace the exact origins and evolution of familial names.
Order DNA origin analysisCull: Where does the name Cull come from?
The surname Cull is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily attributed to England. It derived from the Old English personal name "Coll" or a variant of the name "Cole" which was quite popular in the Middle Ages. This name likely has its roots in the Old Norse name "Koli", which means dark or black, possibly referring to the individual's complexion or hair color.
Some families with this last name might have developed it from the Middle English occupational term “cull”, which described a messenger or a student, most likely from the Latin “colus” meaning a student.
Over time, the surname Cull spread throughout the British Isles and eventually reached other countries due to emigration. Today, this surname can be found in many English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it is still most prevalent in England, particularly in the regions of South East England and West Midlands. Variations of this surname have also emerged over the centuries, with Cullen being a common derivative. In Ireland, Cull might be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name MacCuilinn, meaning ‘son of Cuileann’.
Variations of the surname Cull
The surname Cull is of Anglo-Saxon origin, mainly found in England and Ireland. Variations in the spelling of this surname include Cull, Culle, Cullen, Culley, Cully, Cullis, Cullison, and possibly even McCull. The name Cull could have also evolved into other surnames like Culver and Culling, as well as diminutives like Cullett and Cullinane.
"Cull" is derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal name "Culle" or Old Gaelic name "MacCuilinn". The surname could also be a shortened variant of the name Cullingworth, a place in West Yorkshire.
It's important to keep in mind that the spelling of surnames may have changed over centuries due to factors like illiteracy, different dialects, and anglicization. Phonetic spellings and transcriptions by clerks and priests would have added to the variety of ways to write the surname. So, there is a wide spectrum of potential spellings and variants for the surname Cull.
Famous people with the name Cull
- Nicky Cull: A famous Irish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for St Patrick's Athletic.
- Jason Cull: A former professional Australian rules footballer.
- Brenda Cullerton: A well-known author, she is applauded for her skill in lifestyle writing.
- Aoife Cull: An Irish camogie player who has competed at the senior level for the Dublin camogie team.
- Kathryn Cull: A pioneer in the nursing field, she was the Director of Nursing at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- David Cull: A New Zealand politician who was the 58th Mayor of Dunedin.
- Eithne Cull: An Irish former camogie player, team manager, and referee. Note: The name 'Cull' is not very common among famous personalities. The individuals mentioned above might not be globally recognized but have contributed significantly within their professions or regions.