Surname MacMul - Meaning and Origin
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MacMul: What does the surname MacMul mean?
The last name MacMul is of Irish origin and is an Anglicized spelling of the Gaelic name Mac Mhaolain, which translates literally to “son of the bald man”. This last name is sometimes spelled as McMullen or McMullin, too.
MacMul is generally found in Counties Armagh, Tyrone, and Londonderry in Northern Ireland and has its roots in the ancient routes of the Kingdom of Ulster. The McMullen families trace their ancestry to Eoghan or Owen McLoughlan, a nobleman from the Reagh or Reeve family who lived in the 15th century and served as a border guardian between the English and Irish clans.
The McMullen family is also related to the Murray family, a clan from Antrim who lived by the shore of the sea and were renowned experts in fishing and sea navigation. Having navigated the Irish Sea for centuries, the McMullen family became renowned for their seafaring skills.
The MacMul last name is still found more commonly in Ireland than any other place and is still associated with a seafaring past. With its Irish roots and continual connection to the sea, MacMul has become a recognizable and loved part of Irish history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMul: Where does the name MacMul come from?
The surname MacMul appears to be of Scottish origin, likely derived from the Gaelic language, and is a variant of the more common MacMull or McMul. Mac or Mc prefixes in Scottish and Irish surnames indicate "son of", suggesting MacMul could mean "son of Mul". However, due to its rarity, the exact meaning and origin are unclear.
Records indicate that the MacMul surname is not common today in any specific location. A search of contemporary global phone books and social media accounts yields only a minimal number of individuals with this surname, scattered across different parts of the world. It could have potentially been altered or anglicized over time to a different, more recognizable last name. Absence of substantial records makes it challenging to pinpoint its current concentration. Regardless, tracing genealogical records or hiring a professional genealogist could provide a more precise origin and current distribution of the MacMul surname.
Variations of the surname MacMul
The surname MacMul seems quite rare and specific origin or variants may not exist. However, it may be a variant or a misspelling of several Celtic or Scottish names. For instance, "Mac" prefix is typically used in Scottish and Irish surnames to mean "son of". Hence, MacMul may be related to the surnames MacMull, MacMullan, MacMullen, MacMullin, or MacMillan.
These names are derived from the Gaelic "Mac Maolain", meaning the son of the tonsured one or the son of the devotee. Variants of this surname can also include McMullan, McMullen, McMullin, McMilon, or McMillan. Occasionally, the "Mac" prefix could be omitted, leading to other variations like Mullan, Mullen, Mullin, Millan or Millen.
However, it's important to note that this is speculative, and genealogical research or DNA testing may be necessary to confirm the actual origin of the surname MacMul. It could also be an anglicized version of a non-English surname, in which case, different sets of variants might exist.
Famous people with the name MacMul
- Sandy MacMul: American bodybuilder and TV host
- Daniel MacMul: Canadian professional rugby player
- Michael MacMul: American professional hockey player
- Mark MacMul: Former professional Australian Rules Footballer
- Jerry MacMul: Former Major League Baseball pitcher
- Deborah MacMul: Canadian film director and producer
- Keith MacMul: British actor and comedian
- Kiki MacMul: English fashion designer
- John MacMul: Scottish football manager
- Glen MacMul: Scottish actor