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Home › Baby Names Directory › Cullen

Cullen

♀ Girl

Pronounced KUL-in /ˈkʌl.ɪn/High

Meaning: From the Irish surname O Cuilinn, linked to cuileann ('holly') or to a root read as 'handsome.' Widely known via Edward Cullen of Twilight; it reads mostly as a boy's name. Used here for a girl, we flag the cross-sex lean.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname-name: Cullen means 'holly' or 'handsome' (said 'KUL-in'). Usually a boy's name — we note the lean.
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish surname O Cuilinn, linked to cuileann ('holly') or to a root read as 'handsome.' Widely known via Edward Cullen of Twilight; it reads mostly as a boy's name. Used here for a girl, we flag the cross-sex lean.
U.S. rank (2015)#17043 ↗ Rising
2015 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2012
Total births (all-time)≈ 106

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201319742015

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cullen comes from the Irish surname O Cuilinn, linked to 'holly' or 'handsome,' and gained fame via Twilight's Cullen family. It is used far more often for boys, which we flag — rare for girls (said 'KUL-in').

For girls it appears very rarely, against heavier boys' use. Rare, Irish, and surname-styled.

Did you know? Cullen is an Irish surname tied to 'holly' (cuileann) or 'handsome' — widely known from Edward Cullen of Twilight; it reads mostly as a boy's name, which we note (said 'KUL-in').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Cullen — Irish surname 'holly/handsome'; boy-leaning; Twilight

Variations

CullanCullinCullyn

Nicknames

CullyLen

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Cullen…

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Cayden— lands in the same popularity range

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cullen mean?

Cullen is an Irish surname meaning 'holly' or 'handsome,' known from Twilight's Cullen family.

How do you pronounce Cullen?

It's said KUL-in /ˈkʌl.ɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cullen a boy or girl name?

Cullen is used for both, but far more often for boys — we note the lean.

How popular is Cullen?

Cullen is rare for girls in the U.S. and more common for boys.

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