Surname Mull - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
iGENEA DNA Test: An Emotional Journey through the Mull Lineage
Taking the iGENEA DNA test was an emotional journey, exciting yet filled with uncertainty. It transcended the realm of biology to an exploration of self-identity, redefining the meaning of my surname - Mull, and fostering a profound connection with my lineage.
Z. Mull
read moreMull: What does the surname Mull mean?
The last name Mull is of Scottish and Irish origin and is mainly found among populations in the United Kingdom. It is a habitational name, derived from the Isle of Mull off the western coast of Scotland. The word "Mull" itself is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "muli," which means "snout" or "promontory", pertaining to a projecting part of land or coastline. This connection to geographical features indicates that the surname might have been used to describe a family living near such a physical landmark or someone from the Isle of Mull. Alternatively, in some Irish contexts, the surname Mull could be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Maoláin", a patronymic name. Hence, the meaning of the surname Mull can be tied to geographical location or heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMull: Where does the name Mull come from?
The surname Mull has origins in both Germany and Scotland. Variations of the name, such as Mueller in Germany, were used to denote a person's occupation, typically a miller. In Scotland, the name Mull was first documented in the Hebrides region, on the Isle of Mull, after which the surname was named. The patronymic form of this surname often featured the Gaelic "Mac" prefix, giving us the variation MacMhuilich, signifying son of a follower of Saint Maelrubha.
Today, Mull is a relatively common surname in the United States, with Pennsylvania being particularly notable due to its large German-descendant population. The name can also be found in many Western and Northern European countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavian nations, due to historical migration and the prevalence of similar occupational surnames. In the UK, the name might be more common in Scotland and areas with Scottish ancestry, due to its geographic origins in the Isle of Mull. However, it's worth noting that the distribution of the surname worldwide has become broadly diffused over centuries due to global migration.
Variations of the surname Mull
The surname Mull has roots in both German and Irish cultures. In the German context, it is derived from 'mühle', meaning mill and would have been initially used to describe someone who lived near or worked at a mill. Variants of it due to the regional dialects of German include Mühl, Mülle, Mulle, Muhle, Möhl and Moehl. Sometimes it also has an additional letter e.g. Mueller.
This surname also has Irish origins, specifically from the County Clare region. Here, Mull is a shortened and anglicized form of Ó Maoláin, which is often translated to 'descendant of the bald one'. In English, variants of this name include Mullan, Mullen, Mullane, Mullin, O'Mullan, O'Mullen, and O'Mullane.
Also, due to the influence of different languages throughout history, and people relocating to countries speaking different languages, the surname might have been altered while trying to fit into the new country’s language rules. For example, Mool, Mole, Molle or Moule can be found in English-speaking countries.
Remember, spelling variations in names occurred quite frequently in historical records because of illiteracy, different dialects and languages, and the fact spelling wasn’t standardised until quite recent times.
Famous people with the name Mull
- Jenna Mull: An actress who starred in the television series, A.U.S.A.
- Steve Mull: A professional rodeo announcer and announcer since 1972.
- Jeff Mull: A professional golfer who played on the Nationwide and PGA tours.
- Robbie Mull: A former Major League Baseball pitcher, who played for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres.
- Fionna Mull: An actress who has appeared on various television shows such as The O.C.
- Buck Mulligan: An Irish actor most well-known for his role in the Academy Award winning film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley.
- John Adam Mull: A British politician, who was Member of Parliament for Great Yarmouth in the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1841.
- Bill Mullins: An American actor and television personality who starred in the sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
- John Mull: An American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the lead singer of the pop punk band, Motion City Soundtrack.
- Pete Mull: A Canadian singer-songwriter, who has released three albums and three EPs and has had his music featured in films and TV shows such as The Walking Dead and The Vampire Diaries.