
The surname "Null" is believed to have originated from several sources. One theory suggests that it is a nickname for a negligent or careless person, derived from Middle English 'null' meaning empty or null, void, and worthless. Another theory associates it with the Old English word 'hnylle,' which means stupid or foolish. In some cases, "Null" can also be a shortened form of various given names such as Nullus (Latin for nobody), Nelis (a Dutch diminutive of Nicholas), and other less common names. As with many surnames, the exact origin may vary depending on regional or family-specific historical records.
The surname Null originates from the Middle English word "nul," which means 'none' or 'zero.' It is believed to have been a nickname given to someone considered as having no importance, influence, or wealth, or perhaps to one who was careless or negligent. The name can also be traced back to Old Norse personal names such as Niall or Niol, which meant 'champion' or 'cloud.' Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved, but its original meaning remains rooted in the concept of nothingness or insignificance. The name can be found predominantly in English-speaking countries today.
The surname Null is predominantly found in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most common in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois, suggesting potential German or Dutch origins due to historical immigration patterns from those regions. In Canada, it is most prevalent in Ontario and Quebec. While it can also be found in other countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Africa, its frequency is significantly lower compared to North America. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges between Europe and North America.
The surname Null has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some of the common variants include Noel, Nuell, Nul, Noll, Nel, Neal, Neill, Neale, and Neall. These variations can be found across different regions, with some being more prevalent in certain areas than others. The name is believed to have originated from Old English, Germanic, or Dutch roots, and can mean "not" or "none." Despite the various spellings, all these forms of the surname share a common root and ancestry.
Notable individuals with the surname Null include:
1. William J. Null (born 1949), an American computer security expert and professor at the University of Tulsa. He is known for his work on computer system vulnerabilities, intrusion detection systems, and cybersecurity education.
2. Dana Lynn Dauch (Null) (born 1960), an American businesswoman who served as the chairman, president, and CEO of Calpine Corporation, one of the largest generators of electricity in North America.
3. Michael Null (born 1984), an American software developer, YouTuber, and co-host of the Python-focused podcast "Talk Python to Me." He is also a maintainer of several open-source projects, including Flask and PyPI.
4. Mark Null (born 1962), an American former professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, and Montreal Expos. He is known for setting a record with a scoreless streak of 30 consecutive games in 1987.
5. Michael F. Null (born 1961), an American politician who served as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2015, representing District 87 in Harvey County. He was also a member of the Kansas Republican Party State Committee and served as its vice-chairman.
The surname Null is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word "njall" meaning 'noble.' It was first recorded in the late 13th century in England as de Nial or de Nyalle. Over the centuries, it has been variously spelled as Neal, Neil, Niel, Noel, and Null, among others. The name's early bearers included Sir William Neile who fought with Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and Sir Edward Neale who served as Lord Mayor of London in 1609. In America, the surname was brought by several European immigrants, including George Null who settled in Virginia in 1732 and John Null, an early German settler in Pennsylvania in 1737. The Null family is also linked to the prominent political dynasty of North Carolina through Richard Dobbs Spaight, a judge and U.S. Senator whose father was William Neal Spaight.
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surnames > nuls
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