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In 1984 I self-published "Documentary History of the English-Speaking Mullis Family" in which I traced the origins of the surname to two Norman knights who participated in the Norman Conquest, Baldwin and Roger de Meulles. By early sixteenth century the modern Mullis spelling was in use in Cornwall, having evolved from twelve variant medieval spellings including Mulles, Mullys, Mulys, Molis, Mules, Molys, Moelis and Moleus, depending on scrivenor's spelling abilities. English was not standardized until the 16th Century.
From Domesday this surname was hereditary in a Devonshire family which held the same lands from 1086 to 1396: the Norman French Meulles, rendered MOLIS in Latin records.
After 1300 the main branch in Devon continued the MULES variant and the title Sir/esquire/gentleman that went with it. A cadet lineage (non-inheriting) from 14th century developed parallel to the Mules, spelled MOLYS, MULYS, MULLYS was situated in northeastern Cornwall which by 1548 became Mulles, Mullis-- in Michaelstow and neighboring parishes. By or before 1658 John Mullis from Michaelstow/ Altarnun Parish had arrived in Virginia, and from then into mid 18th century his descendants are traced via records into N. Carolina by 1755. A newly updated edition of my 1984 work was published in 2014, containing siginificant new material relating to Mullis lineage in England and in the US to 1790 Within a few months of publication, still more new records were discovered, necessitating a new edition. It will be issued on cd late fall, 2019: "A Documentary History of the English Mullis Surname: 1053-1660; in Colonial America: 1658-1790," concluding with children and grandchildren of John Mullis b. 1719 Lancaster Co. Va., d. pre1790
Anson Co. N. C. and his younger brother George b. c. 1725 Lancaster, d. c. 1781 Wilkes Co., N. C.
Art Mullies Email: amullies@yahoo.com