The nameSullivan
Sullivan is a boy's name of Irish origin, first a family name meaning "dark-eyed". It is popular in France and the United States.
- Boy's name
- Irish
Meaning
Sullivan comes from the Irish Ó Súileabháin, perhaps from súil, "eye", and dubh, "dark": "dark-eyed". Its meaning is discussed.
Origin
Irish. The O'Sullivans were a powerful clan of Munster.
History
Sullivan became a first name in the late 20th century and reached the American top 340.
Famous people named Sullivan
- Sullivan Stapleton, actor
- Arthur Sullivan, composer (surname)
Popularity of the name Sullivan
Sullivan in the United States
Sullivan was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 7,033 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Sullivan. Its rise began around 2001, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Sullivan in the United States were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 981 births a year on average, against 849 in the five years before.
Sullivan in the United Kingdom
Sullivan was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 810 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Sullivan. Its rise began around 2004, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Sullivan in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 142 births a year on average, against 83 in the five years before.
Sullivan in France
Sibling names for Sullivan
Names from the same generation as Sullivan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Sullivan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Sullivan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Sullivan side by side with the name of your choice.
Sullivan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan comes from the Irish Ó Súileabháin, perhaps from súil, "eye", and dubh, "dark": "dark-eyed". Its meaning is discussed.
What is the origin of the name Sullivan?
Irish. The O'Sullivans were a powerful clan of Munster.
Is Sullivan a girl's or a boy's name?
Sullivan is a boy's name. In the United States, 9% of the babies named Sullivan are girls.
How popular is the name Sullivan?
In 2024, Sullivan was the 339th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,011 births.
What are good sibling names for Sullivan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Matilda, Lucille, Evie and Norah for a sister, Ronan, Finn, Muhammad and Mathias for a brother.
Who are famous people named Sullivan?
Sullivan Stapleton, actor; Arthur Sullivan, composer (surname).