Surname Cully - Meaning and Origin
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Cully: What does the surname Cully mean?
The surname Cully is of Irish origin and derived from the Gaelic word "Coilleg" meaning "cock" or "rooster". Historically, it was used as a nickname for an early riser or a boisterous, lively individual, parallel to the nature of a rooster. The name is primarily concentrated in the province of Leinster in Ireland. Like many family names, Cully can vary in its spellings, commonly seen as Culley, Culli, and Cullee. It is important to note that the meanings of last names can evolve over centuries and may have different interpretations in different cultures and languages. It is also common for a last name to be linked to multiple origins. In this instance, the context relates to Irish ancestry.
Order DNA origin analysisCully: Where does the name Cully come from?
The surname Cully is of Irish origin, derived from the Irish Gaelic name O'Cuileannain, which in turn comes from the word "cuileann," meaning "holly." This name implies a familial connection to areas where holly trees were abundant. Over time, the name underwent various anglicization processes, and one of its versions is Cully.
The migration of people during the 18th and 19th centuries has resulted in the dispersion of the Cully name around the world, most specifically in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and England. However, it is still considerably common in Ireland, where its roots lie. It may also be found in Northern Ireland, which shares deep cultural and historical ties with the Republic of Ireland.
Additionally, the Cully name appears in France, but this seems to be unrelated to the Irish Cully surname. Instead, it appears to derive from geographical names, as there are towns in France bearing the Cully name.
In conclusion, while the surname Cully can be found worldwide due to migration, it maintains its strongest presence in Ireland, followed by English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia and England to which Irish communities historically emigrated.
Variations of the surname Cully
The surname Cully is of Irish origin and has a few different variations and spellings. Also, it may have been phonetically anglicized from certain Gaelic surnames, leading to diverse spellings and interpretations.
Some key variants and spellings of the surname Cully include Cooley, Cull, Culy, Collie, Cooly, Couley, Culey, Culley, Cullie, and Kully. The spellings may vary across regions and communities.
Additionally, the surname Cully could be linked to or derived from other Irish surnames like MacCully, MacCulley, McCully, and McCulley.
It may also be related to or a variant of certain names that sound similar or share etymological roots. This might include names like Kelly, Culkin, and Cullen.
However, it’s essential to remember that surnames can show significant variation over time and across geographies. These variations are often due to factors such as regional dialects, levels of literacy, and attempts to anglicize or simplify the original name. Therefore, establishing definitive relationships between surnames is often complex and involves extensive genealogical research.
Famous people with the name Cully
- Jane Cully: An American actress known for her roles in 1940's and 1950's films.
- Clarence Cully: A successful professional football player.
- Wally Cully: A former professional baseball player in the Major Leagues.
- Tom Cully: He is a member of the British boy choir, "Libera."
- William Cully: A well-known author and academic.
- Zara Cully: She was an American actress, known for her role as "Mother Jefferson" on the sitcom The Jeffersons in the 1970s.
- James Cully: An accomplished cellist known for his performances around the world.
- Kay Cully: A reputable painter and printmaker known for her minimalist style. Note: Not all of these individuals may be widely recognized as "famous," but they have achieved notable success in their respective fields.