Sullivan

#86 in Maine

Meaning of Sullivan

The name Sullivan is of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the surname "Ó Súilleabháin," which means "descendant of Súileabhán." The name itself is believed to be composed of the elements "súil," meaning "eye," and "dubhán," a diminutive form of "black" or "dark." Pronounced as SUHL-i-vuhn in Irish Gaelic and suhl-uh-vuhn in English, Sullivan has a charming and robust sound that appeals to many. It carries a rich cultural heritage and evokes images of rolling green hills and ancient Celtic traditions. Often affectionately shortened to Sully, this name has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades, consistently ranking within the top 500 names for boys since 2013. With its unique blend of history, strength, and modern appeal, Sullivan makes for an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet timeless name for their baby boy.

Pronunciation

Irish Gaelic

  • Pronunced as SUHL-i-vuhn (/ˈsʌlɪvən/)

American English

  • Pronunced as suhl-uh-vuhn (/ˈsʌləvən/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

States Popularity Chart

Notable People Named Sullivan

The five Sullivan brothers were Irish American sailors who tragically lost their lives during World War II while serving together on the USS Juneau.
Sullivan Ballou was an American lawyer, politician, and Union Army officer known for his poignant letter to his wife before being mortally wounded in the American Civil War.
Gabriella Bianchi
Curated byGabriella Bianchi

Assistant Editor