Show ContentsMullis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Mullis is most likely occupational in origin; in other words, that is, a name derived from the name of a profession. Many occupational names refer directly to the occupation, but some, like Mullis, are metonymic, meaning that they refer to some object associated with the profession. Mullis comes from the French word "moulin," meaning "a mill:" the first bearer of the name probably worked in a mill, but it is also possible that the name was taken on by some who lived near a mill. 1

"Moulins, is a place in the department of Orne, in Normandy." 2 3

Early Origins of the Mullis family

The surname Mullis was first found in Suffolk where records show Ralph Milun in the Feet of Fines of 1198, and Adam Milun in a record from 1200. Other records show Ralph de Molins in the Pipe Rolls of 1159. A few years later, Laurence atte Mulene was listed in the Writs of Parliament of 1278. 4

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed William de Molyns, Gloucestershire 5 and Gilbert atte Mullane was listed in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 6

Early History of the Mullis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mullis research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1289, 1341, 1428, 1645 and 1685 are included under the topic Early Mullis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mullis Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Mullin, Mullis, Mullen, Mullins, Mullens, Mullings, Molins, Millen, Millin and many more.

Early Notables of the Mullis family

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

Mullis Ranking

In the United States, the name Mullis is the 3,945th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 7

Migration of the Mullis family to Ireland

Some of the Mullis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Mullis migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Mullis Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Claes Mullis, who landed in New York, NY in 1664 8

Contemporary Notables of the name Mullis (post 1700) +

  • Stan C. Mullis (b. 1976), American professional stock car racing driver
  • Major General Betty L. Mullis, American retired USAF command pilot born in Kansas
  • Robert Mullis (b. 1952), American professional football player
  • Jeff Mullis, American state senator of the Republican Party in Georgia
  • Kary Banks Mullis (b. 1944), Nobel Prize winning American biochemist, author, and lecturer
  • Alastair Mullis, English Professor of Law at the University of East Anglia


The Mullis 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: Mea gloria fides
Motto Translation: Fidelity is my glory.


  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  5. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  6. 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.
  7. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  8. 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)


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