Sullivan is a strong baby name for boys with Irish and Gaelic origins. It has only recently maintained a sense of consistency in popularity in the United States. As of 2020, for instance, it is a top 400 option for boys.
Meaning of the name Sullivan:
Irish: dark eyes, black-eyed one
Origin of the name Sullivan:
Sullivan originated as a last name option in Ireland from the ancient Gaelic surname O Suileabhain. This name meant “descendent of Suileabhan.” Ultimately, it was for families whose patriarch was a son to a Suileabhan.
Symbolism of the name Sullivan:
Sullivan originates, ultimately, to the baby name Suileabhan. This ancient Gaelic baby name means “little dark eye” correlating to the more modern meanings of Sullivan.
Style of the name Sullivan:
Traditional
Gender of the name Sullivan:
Sullivan is a male baby name that used to be a last name.
Pronunciation of the name Sullivan:
SUL-i-ven
Number of syllables in the name Sullivan:
Three
Emotion evoked from the name Sullivan:
Sullivan is a strong name that is wholesome. It is a bit formal and almost trendy in modern years.
Alternative spellings for the name Sullivan:
- Sulivan
- Sulivann
- Sullivann
- Sullyvan
- Sulliven
Nicknames for the name Sullivan:
- Sullie
- Sully
- Van
- Vanny
- Vanni
- Vannie
Popularity of the name Sullivan:
Sullivan was rank 898 in 1900 and did not appear on the top 1,000 list of the Social Security Index again until 2002 at rank 993. As of 2020, Sullivan is a top 400 option at rank 398.
Related names for the name Sullivan:
Great middle names for Sullivan and their meanings:
- Jack (God is gracious)
- Reid (person with red hair)
- Bryce (swift)
- Trent (lives by the river Trent)
- Rhys (passion, enthusiasm)
- Mark (consecrated to Mars)
- Cole (charcoal)
- Ross (steed, horse)
Famous people with the name Sullivan:
- Sullivan Stapleton (actor, “300: Rise of an Empire”)
- Sullivan Sweeten (actor, “Everybody Loves Raymond”)
Sullivans in popular culture:
- Sullivan Meadows (character from “Addicted” series)