Mullens History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Ireland

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Today's Irish surnames are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Mullens originally appeared in Gaelic as either Ó Meallain, Ó Maolain or Mac Maolain. The first surname is derived from the word meall, which means pleasant. The second and third surnames are derived from maol, which means bald.

Early Origins of the Mullens family

The surname Mullens was first found in the province of Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn) where the Mullen, Mullin and Mullan spellings were popular. They were descended from the Kings of Connacht and are of the same basic stock as the O'Concannons. Branches were also found in Cork, Limerick, and Clare where the Mullane and Mullins spellings were the most frequent. Some were found north in Ulster and Tyrone and Derry. 1 This latter group is difficult to trace as the Scottish MacMullen or McMullen settled there during Cromwell's Plantation of Ulster.

Early History of the Mullens family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mullens research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1660, 1720 and 1729 are included under the topic Early Mullens History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mullens Spelling Variations

The recording of names in Ireland during the Middle Ages was an inconsistent endeavor at best. Since the general population did not know how to read or write, they could only specify how their names should be recorded orally. Research into the name Mullens revealed spelling variations, including Mullan, Mullen, Mullin, Mullens, Mullins, O'Mullen, O'Mullan, O'Mullin, McMullen and many more.

Early Notables of the Mullens family

Notable among the family name at this time was Allan Mullen, M.D., (born c. 1660), one of the most eminent Irish anatomists; Dr. James Mullen, self educated doctor; Rev. John McMullen, Bishop...
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Mullens Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mullens Ranking

In the United States, the name Mullens is the 5,150^th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 2

Mullens migration to the United States +

A great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the Mullens name:

Mullens Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Francis Mullens, who landed in Maryland in 1655 3
Peter Mullens, who arrived in Maryland in 1661 3

Mullens Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Henry Mullens, who arrived in America in 1760-1763 3

Mullens Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James Mullens, aged 40, who landed in Maine in 1812 3
Thomas Mullens, who landed in New York in 1825 3
John Mullens, aged 25, who arrived in New York, NY in 1855 3

Mullens migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Mullens Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mathew Mullens, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752

Mullens migration to Australia +

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

Mullens Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. George Mullens who was convicted in Derby, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Dick" on 2nd October 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 4
Mr. Michael Mullens, (b. 1805), aged 15, Irish errand boy who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Dorothy" on 5th May 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 5
Mary Mullens, aged 20, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1858 aboard the ship "Sir Thomas Gresham" 6

Mullens 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:

Mullens Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Mullens, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Earl of Lonsdale" arriving in Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand on 11th April 1841 7

Contemporary Notables of the name Mullens (post 1700) +

Byron Mullens (b. 1989), American professional NBA basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers
Tom Mullens (1900-1961), former Australian rules footballer who played from 1925 to 1926
Lieutenant General Sir Anthony Richard Guy Mullens KCB OBE (1936-2009), British Army officer, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (1989-1992), General Officer Commanding the 1st Armoured Division (1985-1987)