Surname Mulrine - Meaning and Origin
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Mulrine: What does the surname Mulrine mean?
The last name Mulrine is of Irish origin, and it's an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Maolruain," which translates to "descendant of Maolruain." "Maolruain" itself is a personal name composed of the elements "maol," meaning "servant" or "devotee," and "ruain," a diminutive of "rúan," meaning "red" or "ruddy." Therefore, the full meaning of the surname could be interpreted as "descendant of the servant or devotee who is red or ruddy." It's important to note that many Irish surnames refer to ancestors that were centuries ago and may not have any bearing on the individual who currently holds the name. The name Mulrine may have different spelling variants, including Mulryan, Mulrooney, and O'Mulrooney, among others. Like many surnames, these spelling variations evolved over time due to a lack of standardized spelling in ancient times and differences in region and dialect.
Order DNA origin analysisMulrine: Where does the name Mulrine come from?
The last name Mulrine is most commonly found in Ireland today. Primarily associated with the Irish counties of Sligo, Mayo, Donegal and Galway, it is thought to derive from the Irish O Maolfhoghaire, which roughly translates as 'The Servant of the Pilgrims'. The presence of the Mulrin/Mulrine surname dates as far back as the 12th century, with the 13th century Anglo-Norman arrival in Ireland.
Mulrin family members were widespread in the 16th century, with records showing them as being prominent in the barony of Carbury, Co. Sligo. However, due to political corruption and religious tensions, many migrated to parts of Scotland and the United States in the 19th and early 20th century.
In the United States, the surname is found in the states of Texas, California and New York. It is also scattered along the Eastern seaboard of the USA, wherever Irish immigrants settled.
In the United Kingdom, Mulrin is most common in the English cities of York and Hull, and the Welsh town of Abergavenny.
Today, Mulrin families still reside in Ireland, Scotland and America, as well as having spread further afield to countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The relatively small geographical spread and prevalence of this surname is testament to its long-standing association with Ireland.
Variations of the surname Mulrine
Mulrine is an uncommon Irish surname that has a number of variants and associated spellings used across different parts of the world. Along with Mulrine, the surname is also spelled as Mulrenan, Mulrene, and Mulrenin. In Scotland, the same name is also spelt as Mulrain, Mulrainy, Mulroney, Mulran, Mullran, and O'Mullrain. The intended spelling is decided based on the individual preference or interpretation of the name.
The multiple spellings of Mulrine have their roots in the Irish language. Mulrenin is most closely associated with the surname, derived from the Gaelic Ó Maolriain, which translates as "son of Maolriain". Maolriain is typically used as a personal name, derived from the Gaelic words maol ("devotee" or "disciple") and rían ("king"). Therefore, Mulraine can also be roughly translated as "follower of the king".
The variants of this surname are not exclusive to Ireland either. They are also present in Scotland, England and Australia. The English spelling of Mulraine, for example, may have been established via roots in French. Records of the name date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when Irish people were migrating to the British Isles; they were carrying the variants of the Mulrine name with them as they travelled.
In addition to the variants of Mulrine, there are also related surnames with similar meanings. These include Malraeur, Morrin, O'Molloy and Mulvany. Variations on the name can also be seen in other languages, such as Welsh, Scots and Dutch. All these surnames are connected to the same origin – the Irish name Ó Maolriain, meaning "follower of the king".
Famous people with the name Mulrine
- Gemma Mulrine: British radio and television presenter.
- Thomas Mulrine: Irish Gaelic footballer and sports commentator.
- John Mulrine: Canadian actor who appeared in various films, including "Goon" and "Group Home".
- Robert Mulrine: Post-rock musician and composer from the UK.
- Cara Mulrine: American fashion designer.
- Anthony Mulrine: Editor-in-Chief of The Sunday Times in Ireland.
- Mary Ann Mulrine: American author and painters, best known for her memoir "When I Was a Child".
- Emily Mulrine: British television presenter and political correspondent for ITV Central.
- Conor Mulrine: Irish soccer player for Celtic F.C.
- Michael Mulrine: Irish musician and co-founder of the popular rock band, The Cranberries.
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Comments or additions to the name "Mulrine"
29.02.2024
I am a Mulrine by birth originally from Raphoe ,Letterkenny Co.Donegal . As far as i know my family are the only ones in West Midlands Uk with this name . Very interesting to read the history of name ,i also previously was told that 'rian' means water spirit in gaelic .Mulrine would be worshipper of water spirit .