What does Sullivan mean and where does it come from?
Sullivan is primarily an Irish surname that has been adopted as a first name. The name comes from the Gaelic 'Ó Súileabháin,' meaning 'descendant of Súileabhán.' The word 'Súileabhán' itself can be translated as 'little dark eye,' indicating a physical trait. The name has become increasingly popular
Cultural significance
Sullivan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.
Peak popularity
Reached #314 in 2025 — currently #314 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sullivan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sullivan?
Sullivan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sullivan Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sullivan John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sullivan Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Sullivan Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sullivan Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Sullivan Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sullivan right now?
Rising — up 25 spots — currently #314 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #314 | 1,083 | ▲ up 25 · +7% births |
| 2024 | #339 | 1,016 | ▲ up 19 · +11% births |
| 2023 | #358 | 918 | ▲ up 8 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #366 | 901 | ▲ up 6 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #372 | 876 | ▲ up 1933 · +1053% births |
| 2020 | #2305 | 76 | ▲ up 246 · +9% births |
| 2015 | #2551 | 70 | ▲ up 2427 · +150% births |
| 2010 | #4978 | 28 | ▲ up 624 · +27% births |
| 2005 | #5602 | 22 | ▲ up 109 · +16% births |
| 2000 | #5711 | 19 | ▲ up 569 · +36% births |
| 1995 | #6280 | 14 | — |
The story of Sullivan
Sullivan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1993. A total of 11,828 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6280 in 1995 to #358 in 2023. Sullivan is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sullivan in 2025:
Sullivan by decade
Sullivan peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 30 | |
| 1890s | 63 | |
| 1900s | 10 | |
| 1910s | 122 | |
| 1920s | 141 | |
| 1930s | 110 | |
| 1940s | 114 | |
| 1950s | 129 | |
| 1960s | 85 | |
| 1970s | 85 | |
| 1980s | 82 | |
| 1990s | 619 | |
| 2000s | 2,382 | |
| 2010s ★ | 7,017 | |
| 2020s | 3,114 | |
What are good nicknames for Sullivan?
What names sound and feel like Sullivan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sullivan also consider these
Common questions about the name Sullivan
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan means "Irish" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sullivan?
Sullivan is currently ranked #358 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sullivan have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Sullivan?
Sullivan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sullivan?
Sullivan is a three-syllable name pronounced SUHL-uv-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Sullivan?
Sullivan pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Ireland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.