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.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cully?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Cully Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cully Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cully Claire
French influence · crisp
Cully Jane
Literary · strong
Cully Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cully right now?
Rising fast — up 2160 spots — currently #9776 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Cully by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Cully?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cully also consider these
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.