Summary

Variant of the surname O'Sullivan, common in Ireland. Derived from the Gaelic name Ó Súilleabháin, meaning 'descendant of Súilleabhán', which translates to 'dark-eyed' or 'hawk-eyed'. The surname has a rich history and is associated with the province of Munster.
There are
220990
Sullivans in the USA
Sullivan is the
105th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Sullivan

JohnL.

John L. Sullivan was an Irish-American boxer, recognized as the first heavyweight champion of gloved boxing from February 7, 1882, to 1892.

LouisSullivan

Louis Sullivan was an American architect, often referred to as the 'father of skyscrapers.' He is known for his influential designs in the Chicago School of Architecture.

EdSullivan

Ed Sullivan was an American television presenter and producer, best known as the host of 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' which featured a variety of entertainers.

MaureenO'Sullivan

Maureen O'Sullivan was an Irish-American actress, recognized for her role as Jane in the Tarzan film series and her collaboration with director John Ford.

JohnSullivan

John Sullivan was an American Revolutionary War general, known for his role in the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton.

AnneSullivan

Anne Sullivan was an American teacher and companion of Helen Keller, helping Keller overcome deafness and blindness to become an influential author and activist.

ArthurSullivan

Arthur Sullivan was an English composer, best known for his collaboration with W.S. Gilbert on the comic operas of Gilbert and Sullivan.

SullivanStapleton

Sullivan Stapleton is an Australian actor, recognized for his roles in the television series 'Strike Back' and the film '300: Rise of an Empire.'

SullivanBallou

Sullivan Ballou was a lawyer and Union Army officer during the American Civil War. He is known for his poignant letter to his wife before his death in the First Battle of Bull Run.

SusanSullivan

Susan Sullivan is an American actress, known for her roles in the television series 'Falcon Crest' and 'Castle.'

Sullivan Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Sullivan' is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Súilleabháin, meaning 'descendant of Súilleabhán.' It is a common surname in Ireland.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Sullivan' is most common in Ireland, especially in the counties of Cork, Kerry, and Limerick. It is also prevalent among Irish diaspora communities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Sullivan' include O'Sullivan, FitzSullivan, O'Sullevan, O'Sully, O'Sullianne, MacSullivan, Sullivan-Flinn, Sullivan-Fraine, O'Sullen, and O'Sullavane.
Migration and ImmigrationDuring the Irish diaspora, many individuals with the surname 'Sullivan' emigrated from Ireland to other countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping famine and political turmoil.