| Gender | 🧑 Boy |
| Pronunciation | 📣 \s(u)-lli-van\ |
| Number of People | 👶 11,000 |
| Rate in 2021 | 739 |
| Numerology | 🔢 11 |
| Name origin | 🌍 Irish |
Sullivan is the transferred use of an Anglicized Irish surname that originally came in the Gaelic form of O'Suilleabhain from the Irish nickname Súilleabháin with varying meanings of either "one-eyed", "hawk-eyed" or "dark-eyed". All specialists agree that the root of the word "Suil" means "eye", but the rest is in question. The O'Sullivans (along with the MacCarthys, O'Keefes and O'Callaghans) are old relatives descended from a third century old King of Munster (who practically covered all of southern Ireland). The distinguished O'Sullivans were a part of the legendary Eóganachta dynasty that ruled southern Ireland for more than eight centuries. In other words, Sullivan is not only an old Irish family name, but it is one of remarkable importance. On the other hand, the O'Sullivan clan also claimed to be direct descendants of the Milesians who, according to Irish mythology, were the first Celts to arrive in Ireland - a place they believe to be their land of destiny. Sullivan remains the most common surname in the province of Munster (mainly in counties Cork and Kerry), and is the third most popular surname in all of Ireland (after Murphy and Kelly). Sullivan is also widespread in other English-speaking countries where the Irish emigrated. Some notable name bearers include Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin (Anglicized as Owen Roe O'Sullivan) who was a major 18th century Gaelic Irish poet and Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan opera fame) was of Irish descent. Anne Sullivan was the teacher of Helen Keller and Ed Sullivan is a memorable American animator. As a given name, however, Sullivan is used mostly in the United States.
Popularity
Sullivan had a relatively rare history as a given name dating back to 19th century America; However, the name immediately fell off the charts during the 20th century. It lay unused for over 100 years before being revived in the 21st century in 2002. Since then, Sullivan has been climbing the charts as the nickname is used more and more by American parents. Sullivan fits two nomenclature trends currently. One, it is a surname turned on for the first time, and second, it is of Irish heritage. It reminds us of other Irish surnames like Donovan or Finnegan, which have become charming three-syllable given names for American babies. The nickname "Sully" is equally charismatically cool. Although the etymology is a matter of debate, the possible origins are interesting, nonetheless. There is a story of an Irish chieftain who lost an eye in battle and became known as "the One-Eye", which is one way the nickname may have developed. The meaning "lynx-eyed" may have meant a great quick-thinking warrior or the etymology "black eyes" could have been bestowed in reference to a physical attribute. Whichever meaning is correct, they all make us think of great Irish warriors flavoring the name. The meaning "lynx-eyed" may have meant a great quick-thinking warrior or the etymology "black eyes" could have been bestowed in reference to a physical attribute. Whichever meaning is correct, they all make us think of great Irish warriors flavoring the name. The meaning "lynx-eyed" may have meant a great quick-thinking warrior or the etymology "black eyes" could have been bestowed in reference to a physical attribute. Whichever meaning is correct, they all make us think of great Irish warriors flavoring the name.
Famous people named Sullivan
Sullivan Sweeten (actor)
Sullivan the Whisperer (horse tamer) France The Sullivans Fighting (five brothers who died together on a battleship during World War II)
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We decided our child would be Camdyn for a girl, Camden for a boy. Camden is a perfect fit for our son and I still love the name. We're a Baltimore O's family too!
We named our six month old daughter Calista, after my mother explained what it meant (she's Greek). We had already decided on a middle name for her before she was born - Eve - which I found out later is Greek for 'life' so what better way to express our joy than naming our daughter 'most beautiful life'. People usually ask me to repeat her name or pronounce it Clarissa, but we can deal with that. Plus we really like Callie as an nick name.
After agonizing over a unique name for our baby boy (two months old) we decided on Sullivan. It is a beautiful name and not to many people have heard of it. I'myself did not know of any one else using the name before until reading the other comments on this site.
We considered naming him kaden or caden but kaiden was our final choice ..its suits our baby quite well.
I named my son (8 month) Sullivan. It was both my Grandfather's and my Great-grandfather's name. I have had lots ofcompliments on h ow unique and yet classic this name is.
My name is Sullivan- I'm a teenage GIRL and I get a lot of compliments on how unique it is. I personally like it a lot!
It is a grate nayme. I am a yellowe labradoor wetweever named Sullivan
My nephew is called Sullivan. he's 10 and my sister gets quite upset when she hears of another one!