Sullivan Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Sullivan Name Meaning

Fact: The name Sullivan is famously associated with James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, a beloved character from Disney’s “Monsters, Inc.”

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Sullivan Overview

Meaning

Dark-eyed

Gender

Boy

Origin

Irish

Etymology

Derived from the Irish surname Ó Súileabháin, meaning “descendant of Súileabhán” (“little dark-eyed one”).

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌl.ɪ.vən/

Popularity

Sullivan has gained recognition in the United States, Ireland, and Canada. In the USA, Sullivan ranked 358th for boys in 2023

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

8 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Traditional, Cool, Vintage

Associated Traits

Strong, charismatic, intelligent, dependable

Name Day

October 3rd (Ireland)
A Deep Dive

Sullivan Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Sullivann, Sulliven, Sulivan, Sullavan

Common Nicknames

Sully, Van, Sulli, Liv, Vanny

Diminutives

Sul, Sul-Sul, Sull, V

Famous People

  • Sullivan Stapleton
    (Australian Actor)
  • Ed Sullivan
    (American TV Host)
  • Sullivan Barrera
    (Cuban Boxer)
  • Sullivan Sweeten
    (American Actor)
  • John L. Sullivan
    (American Boxer)
  • Anne Sullivan
    (American Teacher)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Sullivan
    ("Monsters, Inc.," Film)
  • Sullivan Stapleton
    ("Blindspot," TV Series)
  • Sullivan Ballou
    ("Glory," Film)
  • "Sullivan's Travels"
    (Film)
  • Dr. Sullivan
    ("Pretty Little Liars," TV Series)

Places

  • Sullivan City
    (Texas, USA)
  • Sullivan's Island
    (South Carolina, USA)
  • Sullivan County
    (New York, USA)
  • Sullivan Lake
    (Washington, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Sullivan?

Sullivan means “dark-eyed.” It is often associated with keen vision and a sharp mind, indicating someone who is perceptive and observant.

What Is the Origin of The Name Sullivan?

The name Sullivan originates from the Irish “Ó Súileabháin,” which means “descendant of Súileabhán.” “Súileabhán” itself is derived from “súil,” meaning “eye,” combined with a diminutive suffix, highlighting the “little dark eye” or “hawk-eyed” trait.

Sullivan Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Sullivan in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3722021#3652022#3582023
Top 3 Rankings#3582023#3652022#3722021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Sullivan

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023358
(+7 from 2022)
914
(+13 from 2022)
0.04991
2022365
(+7 from 2021)
901
(+26 from 2021)
0.04811
2021372
(+26 from 2020)
875
(+106 from 2020)
0.04670
2020398
(+3 from 2019)
769
(-9 from 2019)
0.04157
2019401
(-13 from 2018)
778
(-44 from 2018)
0.04048
2018388
(+13 from 2017)
822
(+25 from 2017)
0.04229
2017401
(+7 from 2016)
797
(+14 from 2016)
0.04027
2016408
(+46 from 2015)
783
(+116 from 2015)
0.03865
2015454
(+9 from 2014)
667
(+34 from 2014)
0.03263
2014463
(+40 from 2013)
633
(+93 from 2013)
0.03089
2013503
(-14 from 2012)
540
(-8 from 2012)
0.02672
2012489
(+34 from 2011)
548
(+60 from 2011)
0.02701
2011523
(+124 from 2010)
488
(+117 from 2010)
0.02402
2010647
(+6 from 2009)
371
(-9 from 2009)
0.01806
2009653
(+52 from 2008)
380
(+48 from 2008)
0.01792
2008705
(+25 from 2007)
332
(+18 from 2007)
0.01523
2007730
(+199 from 2006)
314
(+111 from 2006)
0.01418
2006929
(-4 from 2005)
203
(+13 from 2005)
0.00926
2005925
(+24 from 2004)
190
(+13 from 2004)
0.00893
2004949
(+7 from 2003)
177
(+6 from 2003)
0.00838
2003956
(+32 from 2002)
171
(+12 from 2002)
0.00814
2002988
(+141 from 2001)
159
(+35 from 2001)
0.00769
20011129
(+319 from 2000)
124
(+39 from 2000)
0.00599
20001448
(-12 from 1999)
85
(+4 from 1999)
0.00407
19991436
(-77 from 1998)
81
(-5 from 1998)
0.00397
19981359
(+150 from 1997)
86
(+17 from 1997)
0.00424
19971509
(-11 from 1996)
69
(+2 from 1996)
0.00345
19961498
(+90 from 1995)
67
(+9 from 1995)
0.00334
19951588
(+804 from 1994)
58
(+26 from 1994)
0.00288
19942392
(-712 from 1993)
32
(-20 from 1993)
0.00157
19931680
(+534 from 1992)
52
(+18 from 1992)
0.00252
19922214
(+130 from 1991)
34
(+4 from 1991)
0.00162
19912344
(+209 from 1990)
30
(+4 from 1990)
0.00142
19902553
(+1256 from 1989)
26
(+12 from 1989)
0.00121
19893809
(+640 from 1988)
14
(+4 from 1988)
0.00067
19884449
(+8 from 1986)
10
(+1 from 1986)
0.00050
19870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19864457
(+2065 from 1985)
9
(+4 from 1985)
0.00047
19856522
(-1551 from 1984)
5
(-2 from 1984)
0.00026
19844971
(-1342 from 1983)
7
(-4 from 1983)
0.00037
19833629
(+964 from 1982)
11
(+3 from 1982)
0.00059
19824593
(-736 from 1981)
8
(-2 from 1981)
0.00042
19813857
(+276 from 1980)
10
(+1 from 1980)
0.00054
19804133
(+709 from 1979)
9
(+2 from 1979)
0.00049
19794842
(-291 from 1978)
7
No change from 1978
0.00039
19784551
(-386 from 1977)
7
(-1 from 1977)
0.00041
19774165
(-441 from 1976)
8
(-1 from 1976)
0.00047
19763724
(-296 from 1975)
9
(-1 from 1975)
0.00055
19753428
(+409 from 1974)
10
(+2 from 1974)
0.00062
19743837
(+669 from 1973)
8
(+2 from 1973)
0.00049
19734506
(-1514 from 1972)
6
(-5 from 1972)
0.00037
19722992
(+378 from 1971)
11
(+2 from 1971)
0.00066
19713370
(-480 from 1970)
9
(-2 from 1970)
0.00050
19702890
(+424 from 1969)
11
(+3 from 1969)
0.00058
19693314
(-408 from 1968)
8
(-1 from 1968)
0.00044
19682906
(+323 from 1967)
9
(+2 from 1967)
0.00051
19673229
(+18 from 1966)
7
No change from 1966
0.00039
19663247
(-1166 from 1965)
7
(-8 from 1965)
0.00039
19652081
(+968 from 1964)
15
(+7 from 1964)
0.00079
19643049
(-193 from 1963)
8
(-1 from 1963)
0.00039
19632856
(+784 from 1962)
9
(+3 from 1962)
0.00044
19623640
(+11 from 1961)
6
No change from 1961
0.00029
19613651
(-965 from 1960)
6
(-4 from 1960)
0.00028
19602686
(-22 from 1959)
10
No change from 1959
0.00046
19592664
(+154 from 1958)
10
(+1 from 1958)
0.00046
19582818
(-866 from 1957)
9
(-8 from 1957)
0.00042
19571952
(+1017 from 1956)
17
(+9 from 1956)
0.00078
19562969
(-921 from 1955)
8
(-7 from 1955)
0.00037
19552048
(+66 from 1954)
15
(+1 from 1954)
0.00072
19542114
(+172 from 1953)
14
(+2 from 1953)
0.00068
19532286
(-482 from 1952)
12
(-6 from 1952)
0.00060
19521804
(+168 from 1951)
18
(+3 from 1951)
0.00091
19511972
(+348 from 1950)
15
(+4 from 1950)
0.00078
19502320
(-448 from 1949)
11
(-5 from 1949)
0.00060
19491872
(+71 from 1948)
16
(+1 from 1948)
0.00089
19481943
(+413 from 1947)
15
(+4 from 1947)
0.00084
19472356
(-754 from 1946)
11
(-9 from 1946)
0.00059
19461602
(+95 from 1945)
20
(+4 from 1945)
0.00121
19451697
(+498 from 1944)
16
(+5 from 1944)
0.00117
19442195
(+537 from 1943)
11
(+3 from 1943)
0.00079
19432732
(-241 from 1941)
8
(-1 from 1941)
0.00055
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19412491
(+180 from 1940)
9
(+1 from 1940)
0.00072
19402671
(-512 from 1939)
8
(-3 from 1939)
0.00067
19392159
(+709 from 1938)
11
(+4 from 1938)
0.00097
19382868
(-189 from 1937)
7
(-1 from 1937)
0.00062
19372679
(-956 from 1936)
8
(-8 from 1936)
0.00073
19361723
(+997 from 1935)
16
(+8 from 1935)
0.00150
19352720
(-698 from 1934)
8
(-5 from 1934)
0.00075
19342022
(+347 from 1933)
13
(+3 from 1933)
0.00122
19332369
(-447 from 1932)
10
(-5 from 1932)
0.00098
19321922
(+179 from 1931)
15
(+2 from 1931)
0.00140
19312101
(+680 from 1930)
13
(+4 from 1930)
0.00122
19302781
(-192 from 1929)
9
(-1 from 1929)
0.00080
19292589
(+768 from 1928)
10
(+3 from 1928)
0.00090
19283357
(-1398 from 1927)
7
(-10 from 1927)
0.00061
19271959
(+477 from 1926)
17
(+5 from 1926)
0.00146
19262436
(-630 from 1925)
12
(-7 from 1925)
0.00105
19251806
(+326 from 1924)
19
(+4 from 1924)
0.00165
19242132
(-9 from 1923)
15
No change from 1923
0.00128
19232123
(-171 from 1922)
15
(-2 from 1922)
0.00132
19221952
(+313 from 1921)
17
(+3 from 1921)
0.00151
19212265
(-134 from 1920)
14
(-1 from 1920)
0.00123
19202131
(-158 from 1919)
15
(-1 from 1919)
0.00136
19191973
(-146 from 1918)
16
(-2 from 1918)
0.00158
19181827
(-72 from 1917)
18
No change from 1917
0.00172
19171755
(+397 from 1916)
18
(+5 from 1916)
0.00188
19162152
(+306 from 1915)
13
(+3 from 1915)
0.00141
19152458
(-590 from 1914)
10
(-2 from 1914)
0.00114
19141868
(+77 from 1913)
12
(+3 from 1913)
0.00176
19131945
(-418 from 1912)
9
(-2 from 1912)
0.00168
19121527
(-337 from 1911)
11
(+2 from 1911)
0.00244
19111190
(+231 from 1910)
9
(+3 from 1910)
0.00373
19101421
(-585 from 1900)
6
(-4 from 1900)
0.00288
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1900836
(-122 from 1899)
10
(+1 from 1899)
0.00617
1899714
(+171 from 1898)
9
(+2 from 1898)
0.00781
1898885
(+97 from 1896)
7
(+1 from 1896)
0.00530
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1896982
(-125 from 1894)
6
(-1 from 1894)
0.00465
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1894857
(+178 from 1893)
7
(+2 from 1893)
0.00560
18931035
(-394 from 1892)
5
(-6 from 1892)
0.00413
1892641
(+59 from 1891)
11
(+3 from 1891)
0.00837
1891700
(-71 from 1890)
8
(-2 from 1890)
0.00732
1890629
(-1 from 1889)
10
No change from 1889
0.00835
1889628
(+127 from 1888)
10
(+2 from 1888)
0.00840
1888755
(+204 from 1886)
8
(+3 from 1886)
0.00616
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1886959
(-195 from 1884)
5
(-2 from 1884)
0.00420
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
1884764
First SSA data recorded
7
First SSA data recorded
0.00570
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Sullivan

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#1452021#1352022#1042023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2622021#1902022#1982023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#7262021#8902022#8032023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2072021#2122022#2212023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1552021#1802022#1292023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1142021#1692022#1472023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3412021#2432022#3272023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#3282021#2532022#2952023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#7712021#7742022#7702023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4542021#4242022#4132023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3532021#3682022#3202023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3472021#2192022#3592023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3342021#2682022#2772023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#2502021#2652022#2882023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1922021#2252022#1942023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3152021#3602022#3632023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3382021#4132022#3032023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4132021#3992022#4382023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#6712021#7222022#5172023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3042021#3352022#4232023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3682021#4072022#3192023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2732021#2432022#2982023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#4982021#3232022#4812023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#5742021#4872022#5722023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#4332021#7572022#3352023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3952021#3262022#4222023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3372021#2002022#2672023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#4072021#6802022#6162023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#3082021#6612022#3592023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2292021#1292022#972023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#5792020#6752021#7312023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#7582020#3392021#4312022

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4822020#6802022#5532023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#5352021#6192022#6562023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2102021#1972022#1952023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#4482020#3502022#2512023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2212020#1802021#2102023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4312019#3772021#5772022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3752020#3332021#2912022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1642020#2312021#2272022

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4771960#4622017#6102021

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1372017#652019#1222023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2402011#2462018#1832022

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4132011#4872014

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1892014

Popularity Rankings for Sullivan in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2092021#1932022#1532023

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#1881996#1811997#1831998

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3392021#2822022#3402023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4751976#3922022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4932019#4242020#4122021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9121983#7392016

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Sullivan a Name for Boys or Girls?

Sullivan is mostly a boy’s name. Its unique sound and strong meaning appeal to many parents today.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Sullivan

Sullivan in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Sullivan Stapleton (Actor, born 1977): An Australian actor known for his roles in "300: Rise of an Empire" and "Blindspot."
  • Ed Sullivan (TV Host, 1901–1974): An American television personality best remembered for hosting "The Ed Sullivan Show."
  • Sullivan Barrera (Boxer, born 1982): A Cuban professional boxer who has competed in the light heavyweight division.
  • Sullivan Sweeten (Actor, born 1995): An American actor who starred in the sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond."
  • John L. Sullivan (Boxer, 1858–1918): An American bare-knuckle boxer who was the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing.
  • Anne Sullivan (Teacher, 1866–1936): An American teacher best known for being the instructor and lifelong companion of Helen Keller.
  • Sullivan Fortner (Musician, born 1986): An American jazz pianist celebrated for his innovative compositions and performances.
  • Sullivan Ballou (Politician, 1829–1861): An American lawyer and politician who became famous posthumously for a heartfelt letter written to his wife during the Civil War.
  • Sullivan ("Monsters, Inc.," 2001 Film): A lovable monster who works at a scream factory and cares for a human child named Boo.
  • Sullivan Stapleton ("Blindspot," 2015 TV Series): Plays Kurt Weller, an FBI agent leading the investigation into a mysterious tattooed woman.
  • Sullivan Ballou ("Glory," 1989 Film): A character based on a real Civil War soldier known for his heartfelt letters to his wife.
  • "Sullivan's Travels" (1941 Film): A film director who travels across the country to understand the plight of the poor.
  • Dr. Sullivan ("Pretty Little Liars," 2010 TV Series): A therapist who helps the main characters uncover secrets and deal with their personal issues.
  • "Sullivan's Island" (1999 Novel): A novel by Dorothea Benton Frank about family, love, and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
  • "Sullivan's Crossing" (2017 TV Series): Follows a neurosurgeon who returns to her hometown to find solace and rediscover her roots.
  • Sullivan City (Texas, USA): A city located in Hidalgo County, part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area.
  • Sullivan's Island (South Carolina, USA): A barrier island in Charleston County, featuring historic sites and beautiful beaches.
  • Sullivan County (New York, USA): A county in the Catskills region, known for its outdoor recreational activities and scenic beauty.
  • Sullivan Lake (Washington, USA): A picturesque lake in northeastern Washington, popular for camping and fishing.

Similar Names to Sullivan

Sibling Names for Sullivan

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I hope this deep dive into the name Sullivan has given you plenty to think about. Best of luck with your name journey!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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