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Show ContentsHull History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Anglo-Saxon name Hull comes from the personal name Hull. 1

Alternatively the name could have been derived from Hull, an important seaport town in East Riding of Yorkshire. 2

Early Origins of the Hull family

The surname Hull was first found in the Yorkshire at Kingston upon Hull, more commonly known as Hull, a city in the East Riding of Yorkshire. The place is derived from the River Hull and dates back to at least 1228 3 and is home to the largest parish church in England dating back to 1285. In 1642, it was the scene of the first skirmish of the English Civil War when on orders of Parliament, the Governor of Hull, Sir John Hotham (d. 1645), shut the gates of the town to King Charles I. 4

Early feudal rolls provided the king of the time with a method of cataloguing holdings for taxation, but today they provide a glimpse into the many surname spellings in use at that time.

Peter de Hull was listed in the Assize Rolls for Staffordshire in 1199; John atte Hulle was listed in 1297; Robert in the hull was found in the Subsidy Rolls for Derbyshire in 1327; Henry and Simon Hulle were found in Yorkshire in 1309 and in Colchester in 1312; and John Hull was in the Subsidy Rolls for Cumbria (Cumberland) in 1332. 1

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 include: Elyas de la Hulle in Wiltshire; and Gunnilda de la Hull and Roger a Hull, who were both listed in Oxfordshire at that time. 2

In Somerset, Leticia atte Hulle was listed 1 Edward III (in the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 5

Later, the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included Elena de Hull and Robertas Hall. 2

Early History of the Hull family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hull research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1399, 1408, 1415, 1425, 1595, 1624, 1635, 1665, 1683, 1699, 1736, 1737 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Hull History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hull Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hull were recorded, including Hull, Hulle, Hulls and others.

Early Notables of the Hull family

Notables of this surname at this time include:

  • Robert Hull or Hill (d. 1425), English judge, perhaps born at Heligan, Cornwall. "In 1399 he was king's serjeant, and was called on for a 'loan' of 100l. to aid the king against the Welsh and Scotch...
  • Reverend Joseph Hull (1595-1665), was an English preacher from Devon who led a company of 106 sailing from England to what is now known as Weymouth in Massachusetts in 1635, but at that time was brief...
  • Jonathan Hull or Hulls (fl. 1737), was an English inventor, "born at Campden, Gloucestershire, in 1699. He was the first who attempted practically to employ steam in propelling a vessel in water. His...

Hull World Ranking

In the United States, the name Hull is the 682nd most popular surname with an estimated 42,279 people with that name. 6 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Hull is ranked the 632nd most popular surname with an estimated 71 people with that name. 7 And in Australia, the name Hull is the 820th popular surname with an estimated 4,800 people with that name. 8 New Zealand ranks Hull as 919th with 805 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Hull as 680th with 9,722 people. 10

Ireland Migration of the Hull family to Ireland

Some of the Hull family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Hull migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hull family emigrate to North America:

Hull Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Jefferie Hull, who landed in Virginia in 1617 aboard the ship "George" 11
  • Elizabeth and George Hull, who settled in Nantasket in 1630
  • John Hull, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1632 11
  • Richard Hull, who landed in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1632 11
  • George Hull, who arrived in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1633 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hull Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Thomas Hull, who landed in Virginia in 1701 11
  • Hannah Hull, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 11
  • Lydia Hull, who arrived in Virginia in 1713 11
  • Johann Hull, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1741 11
  • Peter Hull, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1741 11
Hull Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Robert Hull, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1836 11
  • Alexander Hull, who landed in Mississippi in 1837 11
  • Daniel Hull, who landed in New York, NY in 1848 11
  • Friedrich Hull, who landed in New York, NY in 1848 11
  • Frederick H Hull, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Hull migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hull Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Martha Hull, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Mr. Sylvester Hull U.E. who settled in Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1784 12
Hull Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Hendrick Campbell Hull, who landed in Canada in 1840
  • Stephen Jewey Hull, who arrived in Canada in 1841

Australia Hull migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hull Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • George Hull, a blacksmith, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
  • Mr. Robert Hull, English shoe maker who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for manslaughter, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 25th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he was charged with murder of his wife in 1847 and served 2 more years, he died in 1877 13
  • Mr. James Hull, English convict who was convicted in West Riding, Yorkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Exmouth" on 3rd March 1831, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
  • Mr. Ralph Hull, British convict who was convicted in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eden" on 27th August 1836, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 15
  • Mr. Henry Hull, British Convict who was convicted in London, England for 10 years, transported aboard the "Asia" on 25th April 1840, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 16
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Hull migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hull Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • George Hull, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
  • Mr. John Hull, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Gipsey" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 25th October 1854 17
  • Mr. William Hull, (b. 1822), aged 36, British carpenter travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 14th April 1858 17
  • Mrs. Elga Hull, (b. 1825), aged 33, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 14th April 1858 17
  • Miss Mary Hull, (b. 1849), aged 9, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 14th April 1858 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Hull (post 1700) +

  • John Albert Tiffin Hull (1841-1928), American Republican politician, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, 1886-90; U.S. Representative from Iowa 7th District, 1891-1911 18
  • Jane Dee Hull (1935-2020), née Bowersock, American Republican politician, Speaker of the Arizona State House of Representatives, 1989-92; Secretary of State of Arizona, 1995-97; Governor of Arizona, 1997-2003 18
  • Isaac Hull (1773-1843), Commodore in the United States Navy, Captain of the USS Constitution during the battle with HMS Guerriere
  • Lieutenant-General John E. Hull (1895-1975), American Commander in Chief United Nations Forces Far East (1953-1955) 19
  • William Hull (1753-1825), American General in the War of 1812, and Governor of Michigan Territory, best remembered for surrendering Fort Detroit to the British
  • Henry Watterson Hull Ph.D. (1890-1977), American character actor
  • Cordell Hull (1871-1955), American Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944
  • Arthur J. Hull, American Republican politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Monroe; Elected 1904, 1906 18
  • Amos Hull, American politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from North Stonington, 1837 18
  • Alex C. Hull, American politician, Secretary of State of Arkansas, 1897-1900 18
  • ... (Another 90 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Jeffrey D Hull (1966-1985), American Private 1st Class from Burns, Oregon, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 20
Flight TWA 800
  • Mr. James Robert Hull (1948-1996), from Southampton, Pennsylvania, USA, American off-duty TWA employee flying aboard flight TWA 800 from J.F.K. Airport, New York to Leonardo da Vinci Airport, Rome when the plane crashed after takeoff ; he died in the crash 21
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Arthur W Hull (b. 1919), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Woolwich, London, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 22
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Richard Hull, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 23
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. William H Hull, British Boy, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 24
HMS Royal Oak
  • Raymond Geoffrey Hull (d. 1939), British Leading Telegraphist with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 25
  • Ernest Cyril Hull (1919-1939), British Stoker 2nd Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 25
RMS Lusitania
  • Mrs. Margaret Hull, English Stewardess from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 26
  • Mrs. Winifred Hull, (née Keeling), Canadian 2nd Class passenger from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 26
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Lester D. Hull, American Seaman First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 27

Suggested Readings for the name Hull +

  • Hull's Heritage: A Genealogical History by Carolyn Hull Estes.
  • Hulls in 1850: A Directory of Persons Surnamed Hull in the U.S. in 1850 by Robert Hull Taylor.
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  4. Winn, Christopher, I Never Knew that about Yorkshire. Croydon: The Random House Group Limited, 2010. Print. (ISBN 978-0-09-193313-5)
  5. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  6. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  7. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th May 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/exmouth
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 20th October 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eden
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 17th January 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1840
  17. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  18. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 10) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  19. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, March 30) John Hull. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Hull/John_E./USA.html
  20. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  21. The Washington Post Passenger List TWA Flight 800. (Retrieved 2018, February 15th). Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/twa800/list01.htm
  22. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  23. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  24. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html
  25. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  26. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
  27. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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