Cully

“Cub”

Ireland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#9776US 2020

7Births / yr

↑Rising

251All-time births

📅 Since 196000

How to pronounce Cully

KUHL·ee

/ˈkəl.iː/ · stress on KUHL · 2 syllables

“Cub”

Ireland origin · Boy name

What does Cully mean and where does it come from?

Cully is originally an Irish surname, but it has been adopted as a first name in modern times. The name is derived from the Gaelic 'O'Coileain,' which means 'descendant of Coileán,' with Coileán meaning 'cub.' While traditionally a surname, Cully has gained traction as a first name, especially in th

Cultural significance

Cully has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cub.

Peak popularity

Reached #1459 in 1960 — currently #9776 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Cully?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Culley

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Cully?

Cully works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cully Grace

How popular is Cully right now?

Rising fast — up 2160 spots — currently #9776 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2020#9776 · Top 7.2%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1990

1995

2000

2005

2020

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2020	#9651	7	▲ up 2160 · +40% births
2005	#11811	5	▼ down 2401 · -17% births
2000	#9410	6	▼ down 1329
1995	#8081	6	▼ down 1409 · -14% births
1990	#6672	7	▼ down 1514 · +17% births
1975	#5158	6	▼ down 1701 · -33% births
1970	#3457	9	▼ down 491
1965	#2966	9	▼ down 1507 · -71% births
1960	#1459	31	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cully

Best Year1960Rank #1459

Peak Count31

Average Rank#6518

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1960 - 20209 years

The story of Cully

Cully entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 251 total births recorded, Cully remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1459 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9651 in 2020.

Names that peaked alongside Cully in 1960:

David Michael James John Robert

Cully by decade

Cully peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1960s ★	89
1970s	64
1980s	16
1990s	43
2000s	16
2010s	16
2020s	7

💎Cully has only 251 total recorded births since 1960 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cully?

Common

CulCu

What names sound and feel like Cully?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cully also consider these

Cullyn

Ireland · Irish

Tully

Ireland · peaceful; tranquil

Curly

American · Having curly hair

Gully

Sanskrit · A Sanskrit name

Bully

International · A International name

Sully

American · From the eye

Cull

Celtic · A Celtic name

Cullan

Ireland · Cub

Common questions about the name Cully

What does the name Cully mean?

Cully means "Cub" — 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 Cully?

Cully is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Cully?

Cully 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 Cully?

Cully is a two-syllable name pronounced K AH1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Cully a common or rare name?

Cully is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.