Cullen
Cullen is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Holly or pup/young hound.
Origin and history
Cullen is a traditional surname of Irish origin, derived from Gaelic terms referring to holly or a young hound. It gained broader visibility as a given name in the United States in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today, it remains a moderately popular choice with a modern yet classic feel.
Popularity in the United States
16,591 babies in the United States have been named Cullen since 1880. It ranks #913 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #836.
States where it is most popular
- TX (13.7 %)
- LA (6.7 %)
- MN (5.9 %)
- PA (5.6 %)
- CA (4.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 20 |
| 1890-1900 | 29 |
| 1900-1910 | 33 |
| 1910-1920 | 243 |
| 1920-1930 | 308 |
| 1930-1940 | 226 |
| 1940-1950 | 231 |
| 1950-1960 | 250 |
| 1960-1970 | 323 |
| 1970-1980 | 647 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,183 |
| 1990-2000 | 3,219 |
| 2000-2010 | 3,240 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,067 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,572 |
Famous people named Cullen
- Cullen Jenkins: American football player
- Cullen Jones: Swimmer, Olympic Gold Medalist
- Cullen Landis: Actor, Director
Fun facts
- The surname originated from 'Ó Cuilinn' (descendant of Cuileann), connected to the Irish word for the holly tree.
- The name experienced a surge in public awareness due to the Cullen family in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series.