The name Ulladulla is the modern spelling of an Aboriginal word, the meaning of which is unknown. Some records show the name meaning "safe harbour" but local Aboriginal Elders dispute the meaning and point out that a harbour for boats is a modern idea. The name was corrupted to "Holy Dollar" at one time. Alternative spellings as Woolladoorh or Ngulla-dulla have been recorded. The first white Settler was Rev Thomas Kendall in 1828 who started cedar cutting at Narrawallee Creek near Milton.