'unhulled' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-') where 'un-' meant 'not', and the verb 'hull' (from Old English 'hulu' / 'hyl') where that root meant 'husk, shell, or outer covering'.

'hull' in the sense of a husk comes from Old English words like 'hulu'/'hyl', which became Middle English 'hullen'/'hull' (to remove or relate to a husk). The negative prefix 'un-' (Old English 'un-') was attached to the past participle form to produce 'unhulled' meaning 'not hulled' or 'with the hull remaining'.

Initially it meant 'not having had the hull removed' (literally 'not hulled'); over time the term has retained that basic meaning but has been applied more widely to describe seeds, grains, nuts, and other products that still have their outer coverings.