Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Cullen

Cullen is the transferred use of an Irish surname from the ancient Gaelic name Cuileannain. The Gaelic components “cuileann” (meaning "holy") and “ain” (meaning "son") provide its full meaning "son of the holy one". This Irish sept resided in South West Munster with a territory in County Cork (where there remains a small village called Cullen). Some claim that Cullen comes from the Irish meaning "handsome one" but we were unable to confirm that theory. Kevin (from the Irish-Gaelic Caoimhín) and Kenneth (from the Scottish-Gaelic Coinneach) are names that mean handsome. But as far as we can tell from an etymological perspective, Cullen probably means "son of the holy one". Although Cullen is occasionally considered an alternate spelling of Colin which could come from Gaelic words meaning either "chieftain" (from “coll”) or "young one, cub" (from “coileán”). In any case, we are pretty certain that Cullen comes from the Gaelic branch of the Celtic people. As a given name, Cullen appears to be used mainly in the United States and most frequently toward the end of the 20th century throughout today.

All About the Baby Name – Cullen

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME CULLEN

The Master Number Twenty-Two combines the traits of Twos and Fours into a powerful force. The references to The Master Builder and "large undertakings" serve to underscore the massive potential of this personality. They are extremely capable and therefore almost always successful. Twenty-Twos are courageous leaders, innovative thinkers, extremely wise and highly organized. As such, they are able to manifest something of major importance that will have a lasting impact on this world. Master Numbers carry with them a great sense of responsibility, so it can be a burden. However, Twenty-Twos are executors and action-takers. Further, this personality exhibits traits of the Twos, which brings sensitivity, spirituality and harmony, so their endeavors are likely to benefit mankind in some capacity.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME CULLEN

Cullen has a few sporadic moments on the U.S. male naming charts at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century which tells us this name has been in use for longer than we would have guessed. Nevertheless, the name didn’t really come to stay on the charts until 1978. The 1980s was the decade when using surnames as given names started to get underway, so we’re assuming this is what spurred on the name’s sudden usage. Still, it was not a popular choice by any means, but it was out there in low moderation for the rest of the 20th century. Now that we’ve crossed into a new century, Cullen appeared to be destined for mediocre usage. Then suddenly in 2009 the name took a sharp turn for the better, advancing over 350 positions in two short years. Not coincidentally, this was influenced by the Twilight movies, first released at the end of 2008. Edward Cullen is a primary character in the film saga and Bella’s love interest so American parents and fans of the movies/books have taken up the name. There’s something distinguished about this name without sounding pretentious. It also has a mysterious, dark and brooding quality (thanks to Edward Cullen); perhaps a little sullen Cullen? The name Cullen is also likely to appeal to parents who have an interest in Celtic/Irish names. And if you do decide to name your son Cullen, that makes you the "holy one" since Cullen is the "son of the holy one". Are you ready for that responsibility?

Quick Facts

ON CULLEN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

574

PRONUNCIATION:

KUL-ən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Son of the holy one

Characteristics

OF CULLEN

The Master Builder

Leader

Large Undertakings

Confidence

Discipline

Organization

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Cullen

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CULLEN

Edward Cullen is the young vampire in the Stephenie Myers’ extremely popular Vampire series. As portrayed by Robert Pattinson in the movie versions, he is every teen age girl’s heartthrob. The series revolve around Edward’s love for the mortal Bella Swan and hers for him. Although he is a “vegetarian” vampire, i.e., one who eschews human blood, he nonetheless worries for Bella’s safety in her association with him. He is good and true, and it is his burden to futilely wish for humanity in order to truly be with Bella.

Alice Cullen is one of the characters in Stephanie Meyers’ hugely successful Vampire Series of books and movies in the teen fantasy romance genre. She is the adoptive sister of the main “good” vampire character, Edward Cullen, and is like a sister to the main character, Bella Swan. Alice is a bright, petite and pretty girl who has clairvoyant powers, a trait that got her institutionalized in her “human life”. She is also a typical young girl, who loves make-up, shopping and parties. A fiercely loyal friend to Bella, Alice is instrumental in defending her and Edward against their vast array of enemies in the vampire world, and in protecting their child, Renesmee, against false charges made against her.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Cullen

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CULLEN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Cullen


Popular Songs

ON CULLEN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Cullen


Famous People

NAMED CULLEN

Cullen Jones (swimmer)
Cullen Landis (silent era actor/director)
Cullen Jenkins (football player)
Cullen Bryant (football player)
T. Cullen Davis (notorious oil heir)
Cullen Murphy (writer/editor)
Cullen Douglas (actor)
Cullen Loeffler (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CULLEN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Cullen

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CULLEN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Cullen