Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. au pal de gu., ch. de trois abeilles d'or.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Tull family lines. Documented in 3 countries.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“D'arg. au pal de gu., ch. de trois abeilles d'or.”

The Tull arms were recorded in Agénais, c. 1663.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
In France, a coat of arms was a mark of honor that passed down through the male line to all legitimate descendants. Families often used the same shield without changes to show their shared heritage. If a branch wanted to stand out, they could add a small mark to their shield to show their specific place in the family tree.
The history of the Tull family in France is deeply connected to the rural landscape of the Agénais region during the seventeenth century. By 1663, records confirm that members of the family were established in this fertile area of southwestern France, which was known for its orchards and proximity to the Garonne River. During this period, families in the Agénais often lived in small, tight-knit agricultural communities that relied on local trade and seasonal harvests. The name likely evolved as a way to identify these specific individuals within their local parish registers. Life for the family at this time was defined by the rhythms of the countryside and the social structures of provincial France. As the family grew, they remained part of the regional fabric that shaped the cultural identity of the Agénais long before the major political shifts of the following centuries.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Ar. on a chev. gu. three escallops or, in chief a lion pass. vert”

The Tull arms were recorded in Cumberland, c. 1620.
Cumberland was rough border country in the north-west, facing Scotland across a disputed line. Its families held land in return for keeping it defended, and men who fought carried shields of their own.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
The surname Tull has deep roots in the rugged landscape of northern England, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the county of Cumberland by the year 1620. The name is often categorized as a topographic surname, which means it likely originated from a description of where an early ancestor lived, such as near a hill or a specific field. During the seventeenth century, families in this region were frequently tied to the land through agriculture or local trade, and the name Tull likely evolved as a way to distinguish these individuals within their small rural communities. As the family grew, members moved across different parts of England, carrying the name from the northern borderlands into other regions. This movement helped the name transition from a local identifier into a lasting family legacy that persisted through generations of English history.
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Vert a chev. betw. three wolves' heads erased ar”

The Tull arms were recorded in Galway, c. 1645.
Galway was western Irish country of poor land and a rich port. A small group of merchant families ran the town for centuries and held estates around it, and both kinds of property carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
The family name Tull has deep roots in the western landscape of Ireland, with historical documentation confirming their presence in County Galway as early as 1645. During this period, the region was defined by significant social upheaval and the shifting control of land, which often forced families to adapt to changing political climates. The name itself is thought to be an anglicized version of older Gaelic surnames, reflecting the way many families adjusted their identities to fit into the administrative systems of the time. By establishing themselves in Galway, the Tull family became part of a vibrant community that navigated the complex transition between traditional Irish life and the encroaching influence of the English crown. Their early history is a testament to the resilience of families who maintained their local connections despite the widespread displacement and economic challenges that characterized seventeenth-century Ireland.
A Roman family name derived from the Latin word for lift.