The name Sullivan is of Irish origin and means "dark-eyed beauty." It is derived from the Irish surname O'Súilleabháin, which was an anglicized form of Ó Súilleabháin, meaning "descendant of Dark Eyes."
The name Sullivan has a rich history in Ireland. The original O'Sullivan clan were chiefs of Cork and Kerry, and they played a significant role in the political landscape of medieval Ireland. The most famous member of the O'Sullivan family was Dónal Cam O'Sullivan, who led his people on an epic march from their stronghold in Kinalmeaky to Leitrim after their lands were seized by Elizabeth I's forces.
The name Sullivan became popular in England during the Victorian era when many Irish immigrants moved there seeking work. It has since become a common name throughout the English-speaking world.
Today, Sullivan is still considered an Irish surname, but it is also used as a given name for boys. Whether you're of Irish descent or simply admire the meaning behind the name, choosing Sullivan as a name for your child is a great way to honor Irish heritage and tradition.
The given statistics illustrate the trend of the number of babies named Sullivan in the United States from 1993 to 2023. The data shows a fluctuating pattern with noticeable peaks and valleys over the years.
In the early period, from 1993 to 1995, the number of births with the name Sullivan was relatively low, ranging between 9 to 14 babies each year. However, starting from 1996, there was a steady increase in the popularity of this name. Between 1997 and 2002, the number of babies named Sullivan doubled, rising from 11 births per year to a peak of 29 births in 2002.
After reaching this peak, the popularity of the name Sullivan began to decrease slightly but remained relatively stable until around 2008. From 2009 onwards, there was another significant increase in the number of babies named Sullivan. This trend continued through 2022, with the highest recorded number of births being 87 in that year.
Overall, between 1993 and 2023, a total of 1266 babies were named Sullivan in the United States. The statistics demonstrate how trends in baby naming can change over time, with the popularity of the name Sullivan waxing and waning throughout the years.