Last Name Mullen

The surname Mullen is of Irish origin. It derives from an Old Gaelic name Mael-Olpin, which was anglicized to Molloy and subsequently to Mullen. This name was originally a personal name for a follower or servant of a person named Mael-Olpin, who was a derivative of the Old Irish name Mael, meaning "dedicated servant to" and Olpin, a personal name of unknown origin. The name spread from Ireland to Scotland and England during the 17th century as a result of migration and is now found widely throughout those countries and their diaspora.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mullen

The meaning and origin of the last name Mullen

The surname Mullen is an anglicized form of various Gaelic names, primarily Mac Eoin (son of John), Mac Mhaoilmheachain (son of the servant of Saint Molua) or O'Muilleanain (descendant of Muilleanán, a follower of St. Patrick). The original Gaelic spelling may be Mhic Aoidh, Mhic Eoin, Mac Mahon, MacMhuinnéin or Ó Muileannáin. It is most prominent in Ireland, particularly in counties Mayo, Donegal, and Kerry. The name Mullen has also been found in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands and Islands regions, where it is often of Scottish Gaelic origin. Notable individuals with the surname Mullen include American football coach John Madden and Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mullen

The surname Mullen is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Cavan, Mayo, and Donegal, where it represents a significant portion of the population. It also has a notable presence in Scotland, with high concentrations in the Highlands and Islands regions. Emigration from these areas during the 19th and 20th centuries led to a dispersal of Mullens across other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, sizeable communities of people bearing the name Mullen can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the global reach of Irish and Scottish diasporas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mullen

The surname Mullen (or Mullin) can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects over time. Some common variations of this name include Mulan, Mullins, Mullinix, Mulaney, Molloy, Mollon, Mullane, and O'Mullen (Irish), all of which have their roots in the Gaelic surname Ó Maoilmhonaigh or Mac Mhulinn. These names are predominantly found among Irish descent, reflecting the name's historical origin. It is also possible to find similar spellings and variations of this name in other cultures where the sound and meaning have been adapted over time.

Famous people with the last name Mullen

Notable individuals with the last name Mullen include:

* Thomas J. "Mick" Mullen Jr., a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who served as the 37th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps from 2010 to 2014.
* John F. Mullen, an American businessman who served as the President and CEO of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1984 to 2006. He was the first commissioner to serve a full 22-year term in the history of the league.
* Mary Ellen Mullen, an Australian actress who is best known for her work on the television series "All Saints" and "Packed to the Rafters." She has also appeared in several films, including "Chopper" and "Candy."
* Joseph P. Mullen, a former United States Navy Vice Admiral who served as the Chief of Naval Operations from 1985 to 1989. He was also the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet from 1983 to 1985.
* Bill Mullen, an American academic and political activist who is a professor of Sociology at Hunter College in New York City. He has written extensively on labor issues and is a prominent figure in the labor movement.

Genealogical research on the last name Mullen

The Mullen surname is of Irish origin, derived from an Anglicized form of various Gaelic names such as O'Muileanain (descendant of Muileannán), Muiléan (little mill) or Muldoon (descendant of Maelduin). These names were primarily located in counties Cork and Kerry, where the Mullen clan originated. Historically, members of the Mullen family were associated with the ancient Gaelic tribes known as the Dalcassians and the Eoghanachta. The name spread across Ireland during the Middle Ages due to migration and conquests. Notable figures bearing the surname Mullen include Sir Charles Lysaght Mullen, a British Army officer and colonial administrator in Nigeria, and Michael Mullen, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces. The distribution of the name is now widespread globally due to emigration from Ireland during the Great Famine and subsequent centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mullen"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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