Origin and Meaning of Sullivan

Dark-eyed or hound

Origin: Irish - Derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Súileabháin, meaning 'descendant of Súileabhán'. The name Súileabhán is composed of the elements 'súil' (eye) and 'abhán' (little).

• Sullivan is traditionally an Irish surname that has transitioned to use as a given name, particularly in the United States.
• The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century as a first name, reflecting a trend of adopting surnames as forenames.
• Notable bearers of the name include American actor Sullivan Stapleton and former professional baseball player Sullivan 'Sully' McClellan.
• In recent decades, Sullivan has risen in popularity as a first name, particularly in the U.S., where it has seen a steady climb in the rankings since the 2000s.
• Variations of the name include Silvan, Sylvester, and Sullivan's Irish diminutive, Sully.