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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Descendant of the 'dark-eyed one'
- Origin
- Irish (surname, Ó Súilleabháin)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- SUL-ih-vun
Sullivan is a boy's name that comes from the Irish surname Ó Súilleabháin, meaning 'descendant of the dark-eyed one.' It's pronounced SUL-ih-vun, and it carries a timeless, classic feel with enough edge to also work as a bolder, trailblazing pick. For a parent weighing surname-style first names, Sullivan brings real Irish roots behind it.
Meaning & Origin of Sullivan
Meaning: Descendant of the 'dark-eyed one'.
Origin: Irish (surname, Ó Súilleabháin).
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Sullivan
SUL-ih-vunIPA /ˈsʌlɪvən/
Popularity of Sullivan
In 2024, 1,011 boys were given the name Sullivan, putting it at #339 nationally — its highest rank in the entire SSA record, which stretches back to 1884.
Names Like Sullivan
These names share Sullivan’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Descendant of the ‘dark-eyed one’. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Sullivan?
Sullivan is pronounced SUL-ih-vun (IPA: /ˈsʌlɪvən/).
Is Sullivan a popular name right now?
Sullivan is at its highest recorded popularity right now, ranked #339 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1884–2024.)
Make Sullivan Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Sullivan, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Sullivan? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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