Show ContentsScullen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Scullen

What does the name Scullen mean?

The ancient name Scullen, originally known as O Sceallain in Irish Gaelic, having derived from a word meaning "kernel." The name was very numerous in Co. Wexford and remains there to this day. People often confuse the place-name Scallanstown in Co. Meath as related to the name, but this place was actually Ballyscanlon. The Scallan variant is common in Fermanagh. 1

Early Origins of the Scullen family

The surname Scullen was first found in Wexford (Irish: Loch Garman), founded by Vikings as Waesfjord, and located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they held a family seat as a branch of Madigan clann. Traditionally they are descended from Fiacha Araidhe the 37th King of Ulster. More directly, they are descended from Scoieach, a chieftain and schoolteacher of the Madigan line and related to the Mannings. Irish history was greatly influenced by the Norman invasion of 1172, and thereafter, the surnames of Irish Gaelic clanns and septs and many of the Norman families became almost indistinguishable. This family name was found later in County Meath and represented the first recorded reference to the name. (O'Hart)

Early History of the Scullen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scullen research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1876 and 1953 are included under the topic Early Scullen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Scullen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Scallen, Scallan, Scullin, O'Scallan, O'Scallan, O'Scullin, McScallan and many more.

Early Notables of the Scullen family

More information is included under the topic Early Scullen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Scullen migration to the United States +



Scullen Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Peter Scullen, who settled in Providence, Rhode Island in 1829
  • Thomas Scullen, who settled in Philadelphia in 1858

Scullen migration to Canada +

Scullen Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Patrick Scullen, who arrived in Ottawa in 1829


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.


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