Sullivan
Dark-eyed — a boy name of Irish origin
Popularity of Sullivan in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Sullivan
Sullivan is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname O'Suilleabhain, composed of "suil" (eye) and "dubh" (dark or black), meaning "dark-eyed" or "hawk-eyed." The O'Sullivan clan was one of the most prominent families in ancient Ireland, ruling over parts of County Cork and County Kerry. As a first name, Sullivan has gained traction in the 21st century, fitting into the trend of Irish surnames used as given names. Its strong, masculine sound paired with its lyrical Irish heritage makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet grounded.
Sullivan Around the World
Sullivan is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Sullivan
Famous People Named Sullivan
- Ed Sullivan — American television host
- Arthur Sullivan — English composer of Gilbert and Sullivan operas
- Louis Sullivan — American architect, father of modernism
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Sibling Name Ideas for Sullivan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan is a boy name of Irish origin meaning "Dark-eyed." Sullivan is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic surname O'Suilleabhain, composed of "suil" (eye) and "dubh" (dark or black), meaning "dark-eyed" or "hawk-eyed." The O'Sullivan clan was one of the most prominent families in ancient Ireland, ruling over parts of County Cork and County Kerry.
How do you pronounce Sullivan?
Sullivan is pronounced SUL-ih-vun. Common variations include Sulivan, O'Sullivan.
Is Sullivan a boy name?
Yes, Sullivan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Sully, Van, Sul.
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