Sullivan
Sullivan first appears in US records in 1884. It peaked in 2025, when 1,083 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,083.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Sullivan popular?
Near its peak Sullivan is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.
| 2020s | 5,564 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 6,428 | |
| 2000s | 2,135 | |
| 1990s | 535 | |
| 1980s | 83 | |
| 1970s | 86 | |
| 1960s | 85 | |
| 1950s | 129 | |
| 1940s | 114 | |
| 1930s | 110 | |
| 1920s | 141 | |
| 1910s | 122 | |
| 1900s | 10 | |
| 1890s | 63 | |
| 1880s | 30 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Sullivan mean?
Anglicized from Irish O Suilleabhain, from 'suil' meaning 'eye' plus a second element usually read as 'dubh' (dark/black), giving 'dark-eyed'. The second element is disputed; alternative readings give 'one-eyed' or 'hawk-eyed', so the 'dark' sense is probable rather than certain.
Names like Sullivan
irish names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Sullivan
Popular irish names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Sullivan
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Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sullivan mean?
Sullivan means dark-eyed (disputed). Anglicized from Irish O Suilleabhain, from 'suil' meaning 'eye' plus a second element usually read as 'dubh' (dark/black), giving 'dark-eyed'. The second element is disputed; alternative readings give 'one-eyed' or 'hawk-eyed', so the 'dark' sense is probable rather than certain.
What is the origin of the name Sullivan?
Sullivan is of irish origin.
How do you pronounce Sullivan?
Sullivan is pronounced “SUHL-ih-vuhn.”
Is Sullivan a boy or a girl name?
Sullivan is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Sullivan a popular name right now?
Sullivan is more popular now than at almost any point on record, peaking in 2025.
How popular is the name Sullivan?
In 2025, Sullivan ranked #314 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Sullivan most popular?
Sullivan was most popular in 2025, when about 1,083 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What names are similar to Sullivan?
Names similar to Sullivan include Conor, Kieran, Kian, Ronan, Cillian.
What names go well with Sullivan?
irish names that pair well with Sullivan include Ryan, Liam, Aiden, Sean, Aidan.