Sully

Meaning of Sully

Sully is a spirited little name with big character—easy to say (SUH-lee) and sweet enough for any child. Rooted in Irish heritage as a diminutive of Ó Súilleabháin, it carries the poetic sense of “little dark-eyed one” or even “hawk-eyed,” while also nodding to old Norman French place-names. Over the years it’s emerged as a charming unisex choice, its popularity dancing around the 800–900 rank in the U.S.—a steady heartbeat of use that’s on the rise again in 2024. Parents drawn to stories of everyday heroism will appreciate its association with Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the calm hand who landed Flight 1549 on the Hudson, and kids will love Sulley from Monsters, Inc., a friendly giant whose heart is twice the size of his roar. Whether whispered at sunrise or cheered from the playground, Sully feels like a warm hug that’s ready for adventure.

Pronunciation

American English

• Pronunced as SUH-lee (/ˈsʌli/)

• Silas
• Sonny
• Sutton
• Samson
• Sullivan
• Sawyer
• Stanley