Sullivan
Gender: Mostly Boy
Meaning: Dark-eyed or hawk-eyed
Origin: Irish
Popularity: Ranked #314 in 2025 with 1,083 babies born.
History: Sullivan is the anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Súilleabháin, meaning descendant of Súilleabhán, a name derived from 'súil' (eye) and 'dubh' (dark or black), suggesting dark-eyed or keen-eyed. It was one of the most common surnames in Munster, Ireland. As a first name, Sullivan has grown in popularity in the United States in the 21st century, often shortened to Sully.
Name length: 8 letters
How common is Sullivan? About 1 in 2,877 babies born in 2025 were named Sullivan, or roughly 3.2 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Sullivan
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan means “Dark-eyed or hawk-eyed” from Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Sullivan?
Sullivan has Irish origin. The traditional meaning is “Dark-eyed or hawk-eyed”.
How popular is Sullivan?
Sullivan ranked #314 in 2025 — given to 1,083 babies that year.
When was Sullivan most popular?
Sullivan peaked in 2025 with 1,083 babies registered that year.
Is Sullivan a boy or girl name?
Sullivan is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Sullivans in registered births are male.
Is the name Sullivan rising or falling in popularity?
Sullivan has risen 1994 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #2308 in 2020 to #314 in 2025.
How long has Sullivan been recorded?
Sullivan appears in birth records across 127 years — from 1884 through 2025.