Surname Cullum - Meaning and Origin

Cullum: What does the surname Cullum mean?

The surname Cullum is of English origin and is derived from the Old English term "culum," which means "at the ridges." It is most often considered a topographic name for someone who lived or worked on a piece of high ground or a ridge. It might also be a habitational surname taken from a place name such as Cullom in Oxfordshire, which is similarly derived from Old English terms for "ridge." The Cullum family crest includes a silver shield with three black birds, reflecting the traditional medieval symbolism of the blackbird as an omen and the number three as indicative of divine perfection. Historical records show the first recorded spelling of the family name as Cullum around the 12th Century in Suffolk, Eastern England, suggesting its roots in medieval England.

Cullum: Where does the name Cullum come from?

The surname Cullum is believed to have originated from England, specifically from the villages named Culham in Oxfordshire and Cullompton in Devon. The name itself, deriving from Old English, translates to "at the ridges." It came into use as a surname in the medieval period when people started adopting their place of residence or origin as their last name to efficiently distinguish themselves.

In its earliest form, the name was recorded as "Cullam" in the Domesday Book of 1086, a survey commissioned by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, its spelling has varied, resulting in different versions such as Columb, Collumb, Colum, Cullim and others. It has been associated with noble families, including the Baronet Cullum family of Hawsted and Hardwick, Suffolk.

Today, the surname Cullum is relatively rare but can be found in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and particularly in the United Kingdom. It's also somewhat well-known due to several notable people with this surname, such as British jazz-pop singer Jamie Cullum.

Variations of the surname Cullum

The surname Cullum has a variety of different spellings and variants. These can include but are not limited to: Cullam, Collum, Collam, Coulam, Coulum, Coulomb, Colum, Cullom, Collom, and even Kullum. Some of these variations may have stemmed from phonetic spellings or transcription errors over the centuries.

Because surnames often indicate geographical origin, professional trade, or are a patronymic form of a personal name, even names which are not spelled similarly but share the same root can be considered as variants. Surnames with the same origin as Cullum are usually those including "Col" or "Cul" as they also likely come from a root word for "hill."

The surname Cullum is believed to derive from the Anglo-Saxon word "columb," meaning "dove." This hints towards a peaceful nature or perhaps was a symbol of a messenger or carrier profession. Given this meaning, other surname variants could potentially include spellings that relate to or signify the word "dove."

Regardless of the exact variation, most people with the last names mentioned above likely share a common ancestry, despite the different spelling and pronunciation of their surnames.

Famous people with the name Cullum

• Jamie Cullum: An internationally renowned British jazz-pop singer, songwriter and pianist with several hit albums.
• Kim Cullum: An American actress known for her roles in popular television shows such as Married...with Children and Chicago Sons.
• John Cullum: An award-winning American actor who has had a significant career on stage, television and film, most notably known for his roles in Broadway musicals like Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century.
• Clint Cullum: A former professional American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL).
• Curly Cullum: A former American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball in the 1930s.
• Chad Cullum: An American wrestler who has competed in several championships.
• Scott Cullum: An American actor known for his roles in movies like "Blood Type" and "The Dead the Damned and the Darkness".
• Brian Cullum: An American actor who starred in hit TV series like "The Sopranos" and "Law & Order".
• Al Cullum: He was a professional ice hockey player who played in the NHL for one season.
• Spencer Cullum: British pedal steel guitarist, member of the band Steelism.

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