This study is based on my research since the early 1980's.

Most data is about people from Ferryden in Angus where my ancestors came from but I am in the process of expanding coverage  to cover the rest of the world.

Some Coull's in Australia, Canada and New Zealand have been already added but a minimum from the United States although I do have some information.

Anyone who would like to help would be very welcome.

Variants found so far are Coul (mainly by one church of Scotland minister) and Cowl in early days previous to 1700.

Appears to be a location based name dating back before 1640. Also evidence of corruption of German name of Kuhle in at least 2 instances (both in London). Many early Coull's  were mariners and there is a predominance of Coull surname at coastal cities and towns especially Royal Navy establishments.

Currently I have had a DNA Y test processed by FamilyTreeDNA.

It is envisaged this will help confirm links to other Coull's around the world. Initial results are zero. Not one match at all, means that no one in my direct ancestry has been tested. I and two of my brothers and one cousin are the only ones left of my generation of Coull descended from Henry (Harry) John Coull  1884-1863 born in Rochester, Kent, England. He had 6 sons and 2 daughters between 1908 and 1931.

My 23andme test has only supplied one link so far that I could prove to a person/Family in New Zealand. Not one from Scotland!

Other links are though my mothers side - Morrison and Burgoine or though my paternal grandmother side -  Hammond