Here are a few potential explanations for the origin of the name Cullen:
1. Place Name: Cullen may have originated as a patronymic surname derived from the place name Cullen, which is a coastal town located in the Moray region of Scotland. The town of Cullen is believed to have derived its name from the same Gaelic root, "cuilean." Individuals who hailed from Cullen or had a connection to the town may have adopted the surname Cullen as a way of indicating their place of origin.
2. Occupational Surname: Another possible origin of the Cullen surname lies in an occupational context. The word "cuilean" was sometimes employed as a term for a shepherd or herdsman. During medieval times, many surnames evolved from a person's occupation or trade, and thus it is possible that individuals involved in shepherding or animal husbandry may have taken on the surname Cullen.
3. Septs of Scottish Clans: The Cullen surname is associated with several ancient Scottish clans, including the Clan Campbell and the Clan MacLean. These clans organized themselves into septs, or branches, and adopted surnames based on geographical locations, occupations, or names of notable ancestors. The Cullen sept within these clans may have emerged from a common ancestor or a shared territory associated with the Gaelic term "cuilean."
Over the centuries, the Cullen surname has undergone variations in spelling and pronunciation. Some alternative forms include:
- Cullin
- Cullane
- Cullens
- Collen
- Colen
- Colane
The Cullen name has also spread to various parts of the world, including Ireland, England, and countries where Scottish diaspora have settled, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.