Surname Fullam - Meaning and Origin
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Fullam: What does the surname Fullam mean?
The last name Fullam is an Irish name, derived from the old Gaelic name "O Maoltuile" which was anglicized to "Fullam". This surname refers to a descendant of the Maoltuile family from the old Irish kingdom of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne, which is now known as the barony of Leitrim in Galway, Ireland. According to nineteenth century Irish historian, John O'Hart, the Maoltuile family were lords of ‘’Trachtàn’’ and had estates near the south-eastern edge of the barony, around the parish of Ballinderreen.
The surname Fullam is also very common in Scotland, where it is believed that it originated in the northern region of Lanarkshire. It is unclear what the original Gaelic form of the surname might have been in Scotland and if it was related to the Maoltuile family from Ireland.
Today, the name Fullam is spread throughout Ireland and Scotland, as well as having been adopted by people of other nationalities with no known connection to either of these countries. The Fullams today are a diverse group, with a range of occupations including lawyers, doctors, engineers and businessmen.
No matter where the Fullams come from, all members of this family have certainly earned their name as it means “valiant” in the Gaelic language.
Order DNA origin analysisFullam: Where does the name Fullam come from?
The last name Fullam is relatively rare today, however it is mainly concentrated in Ireland. Specifically, the name occurs most often in County Cork, although there are occasional occurrences in other counties. It is believed to be descended from the native Gaelic surname "Mac an Mhaille," which translates as "son of the (noble) chief".
In recent years, the name has become increasingly fragmented, and its overall population is on the decline. Census figures suggest that in 2016, there were only 308 people with the surname Fullam living in the Republic of Ireland, and only 34 in Northern Ireland. This is a significant decrease since the 1911 census, when there were 1621 people with the surname living in Ireland.
In terms of global distribution, there are only a few occurrences outside of Ireland. According to surname distribution data, the name Fullam is quite rare in other countries, with only two people in the United States, and single person in Scotland, Canada, England, Australia, and Wales. It is also very rare in Northern African countries, with only one or two occurrences in places like Morocco and Algeria.
Overall, the name Fullam is now predominantly based in Ireland, particularly in the country’s south. There are very few people outside of the Emerald Isle with this rare surname, making them an oddity wherever they may be found.
Variations of the surname Fullam
The surname Fullam is derived from the Irish Gaelic name Ó Foghlúm, which means ‘descended from Foghlúm’. Variations in spelling of the name can sometimes be encountered in the form of Follam, Fullam, Fulum or Follum. Common anglicised versions of the name include Fullam, Follum, Follam, Fulem and Fulum.
The variations of the surname Fullam found in Ireland are most prominent in County Kerry, on the west coast. The most common variants of the name found in the United Kingdom are Fullam and Follom.
The Fullam surname can be found spelled in various ways even between members of families. Check those records that are available to you to prove any family links.
Fullam is a relatively rare surname. There are estimated to be fewer than 500 households in Ireland with the surname. Outside of Ireland, the name can also be borne by English and Welsh families.
The surname Fullam is also prevalent in the United States, especially in the states of Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Variations in spelling such as Fullam, Follan or Fallan have been noted in the United States as well.
Other spellings and surnames of the same origin include Follain, O'Fullam, Follohane, Follome, Phelan, Fenlon, Fylon and Felan.
Famous people with the name Fullam
- Jerry Fullam: Television reporter, award-winning journalist and anchor for Fox29.
- Graham Fullam: British journalist, editor, writer and broadcaster.
- Michael Fullam: English professional footballer who plays for St Mirren Football Club.
- Alfred Fullam: American author, teacher and academic administrator.
- Mark Fullam: Retired English professional cricketer who played for the Sussex County Cricket Club.
- Shaun Fullam: British educator, publisher, author and entrepreneur.
- Kelly Fullam: Infamous actress and model best known for “The Exorcist” and “The Blimp.”
- John Fullam: American stage and film actor who appeared in roles such as Lt. Harry Grigsby in Air Force.
- William Fullam: Retired American professional basketball player who played for the VCU Rams.
- Patrick Fullam: American professional golfer who won the 1999 Buick Classic.