Sullivan
How to say it: SUL-ih-vun · /ˈsʌlɪvən/
Anglicization of Irish O'Suilleabhain, meaning 'descendant of the dark-eyed one'; used as a given name.
Sullivan was the 324th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 1,083 babies (Social Security Administration). The 2020s are its busiest decade so far, its births are up about 62% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #274 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #324 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 1,083 |
| Share of births | 1 in 3,061 |
| Peak decade | 2020s |
| Change over 10 years | +62% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #274 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Climbing through the 2020s, Sullivan reached its highest point yet. Further growth looks likely over the next few years.
What goes with it
Soft and breathy with plenty of liquid sound, Sullivan feels easygoing and substantial. Sully makes a natural short form, while Declan pairs nicely in style.
Middle names that flow with Sullivan →
Parents who love Sullivan also love
Nicknames
- Sully
- Van
- Sulli
Other spellings
Honouring a Sullivan in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Sullivan is about 1 in 128.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French, Irish.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
England and Wales: #276.
Famous people named Sullivan
- Sullivan Stapleton (born 1977)Australian actor
- Sullivan Ballou (1829–1861)Union Army officer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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