Tully is a unique and intriguing given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the ancient Irish surname Ó Tuathail, which was originally a Norse-Gaelic hybrid family name. The Norse element "Thor" means "thunder," while the Gaelic suffix "-uil" signifies "descendant of." Therefore, Tully can be interpreted as meaning "Thor's descendant."
The name Tully has a rich history and is believed to have been brought to Ireland by Viking settlers in the 9th century. Over time, it evolved from being a surname to becoming a given name, particularly among Irish families.
Tully is also associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous was Thomas Francis Tully (1842-1906), an Australian politician who served as the 7th Premier of Tasmania. Additionally, there was a character named Tully Marshall in the popular American television series "Breaking Bad," further contributing to the name's modern recognition.
Despite its historic roots and notable bearers, Tully remains relatively uncommon today, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an unusual yet meaningful name for their child. Its Irish origins and thunderous meaning lend it a powerful and dynamic quality, perfect for those looking for a strong and memorable moniker.
The name Tully has seen a notable increase in popularity over the past few years in the United States. Between 1996 and 2023, there have been a total of 139 babies named Tully born in the U.S., with the number of births varying each year.
In 1996, there were only 6 births with the name Tully, which remained relatively low until a slight uptick in 2005 and 2006 with 5 and 6 births respectively. The name then experienced another small increase in 2010 with 7 births.
However, it wasn't until 2019 that the name Tully began to gain significant traction, with 10 births recorded that year. This trend continued into the following years, with 18 births in 2021, 22 in 2022, and a record-breaking 30 births in 2023.
This steady growth in popularity suggests that the name Tully is becoming more widely recognized and appreciated by parents-to-be in the United States. As with any name, the reasons behind this increase may vary greatly, but it's clear that Tully is now more popular than ever before.