What does Cullen mean and where does it come from?
Cullen is traditionally a surname of Irish origin that has evolved into a given name in modern times. It is derived from the Gaelic 'O'Cuileann', which signifies 'descendant of Cuileann'. The name Cuileann is said to mean 'sacred' or 'dark'. In recent years, Cullen has gained popularity as a first n
Cultural significance
Cullen has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #1108 in 2025 — currently #1108 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cullen?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Cullen right now?
Rising — up 19 spots — currently #1108 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1108 | 194 | ▲ up 19 · +3% births |
| 2024 | #1127 | 189 | ▼ down 125 · -14% births |
| 2023 | #1002 | 219 | ▼ down 101 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #901 | 258 | ▼ down 156 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #745 | 342 | ▲ up 15675 · +6740% births |
| 2015 | #16420 | 5 | ▼ down 1445 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #14975 | 6 | ▼ down 1799 |
| 2000 | #13176 | 6 | ▼ down 2631 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #10545 | 7 | — |
The story of Cullen
Cullen is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. A total of 15,487 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10545 in 1995 to #1002 in 2023. Cullen is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cullen in 2025:
Cullen by decade
Cullen peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 20 | |
| 1890s | 29 | |
| 1900s | 33 | |
| 1910s | 243 | |
| 1920s | 308 | |
| 1930s | 226 | |
| 1940s | 231 | |
| 1950s | 250 | |
| 1960s | 323 | |
| 1970s | 656 | |
| 1980s | 1,203 | |
| 1990s | 3,246 | |
| 2000s | 3,251 | |
| 2010s ★ | 5,100 | |
| 2020s | 757 | |
What are good nicknames for Cullen?
Common questions about the name Cullen
What does the name Cullen mean?
Cullen means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cullen?
Cullen is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cullen?
Cullen originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cullen?
Cullen is a two-syllable name pronounced KUHL-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cullen a common or rare name?
Cullen is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.