Show ContentsCulloom History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Culloom is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in either of the settlements called Culham in the counties of Berkshire and Oxfordshire. The surname Culloom belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Culloom family

The surname Culloom was first found in Oxfordshire at Culham, a parish, in the union of Abingdon, hundred of Dorchester. 1

"This place, which is nearly surrounded by the river Isis, was the occasional retreat of the abbots of Abingdon; and in the ancient manor-house, now occupied as a farmhouse, is a room still called the Abbot's chamber." 2

While Oxfordshire is the ancient homestead of the family we must look to Berkshire for the first record of the family. For it is there that Vincent de Culeham was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1212. 3 From this early start, we must move to the 16th century for the following two listings: John Cullum in the Subsidy Rolls for Suffolk in 1524; and William Culhame, or Colham, or Culme, who was listed in the Register of the University of Oxford in 1570. 1

Early History of the Culloom family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Culloom research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1574, 1587, 1597, 1628, 1633, 1657, 1662, 1664, 1674, 1680, 1690, 1699, 1702, 1705, 1720, 1754, 1774 and 1855 are included under the topic Early Culloom History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Culloom Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Culloom has been spelled many different ways, including Cullum, Culme, Cullam and others.

Early Notables of the Culloom family

Notables of this surname at this time include: Sir Hugh Cullum; Sir Henry Culmer (c. 1574-1633), 1st Baron Culmer; and Sir Richard Culmer (1597-1662), English peer; Thomas Cullum (c. 1587-1664), 1st Baronet of Hastede, Suffolk; Thomas Cullum (1628-1680), 2nd Baronet of Hastede; Sir Dudley Cullum, 3rd Baronet of Hastede (1657-1720)...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Culloom Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Culloom family to Ireland

Some of the Culloom family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Culloom family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Cullooms to arrive in North America: Elizabeth Cullum and her husband settled in Maryland in 1720; another Elizabeth Cullum, her two daughters, her son George, and husband, settled in New York State in 1820..



The Culloom Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Sustineatur
Motto Translation: Let it be sustained.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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