Cullen 2

Cullen is an Irish surname that represents the anglicized form of the native Gaelic names Ó Coileáin or Ó Cuilinn. These patronymic surnames literally mean “descendant of Coileán” and “descendant of Cuileann” respectively, with the Irish personal name Coileán (root: Coileán) deriving from a byname meaning “whelp, young dog.” The variant Collins is also related, arising from a different anglicization of Ó Coileáin. The surname Cullen is especially common in counties such as Wicklow, Wexford, and Galway, reflecting its strong Irish roots—specifically in the historical province of Leinster and parts of Munster. The name has been borne by several notable figures, including the influential Cardinal Paul Cullen (1803–1878), the first Irish cardinal and a key figure in the Catholic Church during the 19th century, who was Archbishop of Dublin. In literature, the surname features prominently in contemporary culture through Stephenie Meyer's “Twilight” series, where the vampire Carlisle Cullen and his fictional family adopted the name. Like many Irish surnames bearing the prefix “Ó,” Cullen often also appears in records with or without the O', such as O'Cullin, though today the streamlined form Cullen is predominant. Its meaning—linked to the imagery of a young, loyal hound—connects Cullen to a common theme in Gaelic onomastics where totem or characteristic animal names were adopted as family identifiers.

• Meaning: Descendant of Coileán (meaning “whelp” or “young dog”); also from Ó Cuilinn (descendant of Cuileann).
• Origin: Irish
• Type: Surname (Anglicized form)
• Usage regions: Ireland (especially Leinster and Munster), also common among Irish diaspora.