Sullivan
Sullivan is a boys' name of Irish origin meaning “dark-eyed one, hawk-eyed.” It ranked #314 in the United States in 2025. An anglicization of the Irish surname Ó Súilleabháin, meaning descendant of the dark-eyed one.
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how do you pronounce Sullivan?
SUL-ih-van
where does the name Sullivan come from?
A transferred use of the Irish surname, from Ó Súileabháin, a name built on súil, eye.
It is one of the most common Irish surnames that has transitioned into use as a first name.
how popular is this name?
Sullivan has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 36 years since 1884, and fell outside it for 106. It peaked at #314 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #314 |
| 2024 | #339 |
| 2023 | #358 |
| 2022 | #366 |
| 2021 | #372 |
| 2020 | #398 |
| 2019 | #401 |
| 2018 | #388 |
| 2017 | #401 |
| 2016 | #409 |
| 2010 | #647 |
| 1900 | #836 |
| 1890 | #629 |
| 1884 | #764 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Sullivan fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Sullivan
Its use as a first name is a modern transfer from the surname.
who are famous people named Sullivan?
- Ed Sullivan (television host)
- Sullivan Ballou (Civil War officer)
what are the nicknames and variants of Sullivan?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Sullivan?
what names go well with Sullivan?
Sibling names that share Sullivan's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Sullivan
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan means “dark-eyed one, hawk-eyed”.
What is the origin of the name Sullivan?
Sullivan comes from the Irish naming tradition.
How popular is the name Sullivan?
Sullivan ranked #314 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #314, and it has spent 36 years in the top 1,000 since 1884.
Is Sullivan a boy or girl name?
Sullivan is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Sullivan?
Sullivan is pronounced SUL-ih-van, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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