SULLIVAN
Sullivan
Origin of Name: The surname Sullivan originates from Ireland, derived from the Gaelic name O'Suileabhain, meaning "descendant of Suileabhan".
History: The Sullivan surname has a strong historical connection to Ireland, with the majority of bearers of the name tracing their ancestry to the Munster region. The O'Sullivan clan historically held lands in County Cork and County Kerry. Sullivan is one of the most common surnames in Ireland and is also prevalent in the United States, Australia, and other countries with significant Irish diaspora populations.
Notable Individuals:
- John L. Sullivan: An American professional boxer known as the "Boston Strong Boy", he was the last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion.
- Arthur Sullivan: A renowned English composer, known for his collaborations with librettist W.S. Gilbert on the famous comic operas known as the Savoy Operas.
- Maureen O'Sullivan: An Irish-American actress best known for her role as Jane in the Tarzan film series.
- Ed Sullivan: A prominent American television personality, best known for hosting "The Ed Sullivan Show" which featured a variety of performance acts over its long run.
Variants: Variants of the Sullivan surname include Sullavan, Sullivane, and O'Sullivan.
Coat of Arms: The Sullivan coat of arms is described as: "Argent, three lions rampant gules. Crest: A dexter arm erect couped below the elbow proper, vested gules, cuff azure, holding in the hand ppr. a flagstaff gules, thereon hoisted the flag of St. George."
Legacy: The surname Sullivan holds a strong place in the history and culture of both Ireland and the countries to which the Irish diaspora spread. Known for its rich history, notable bearers, and strong sense of Irish identity, the Sullivan surname continues to be celebrated and honored by many around the world.
There are approximately 30,218 people named Sullivan in the UK. That makes it the 268th most common surname in Britain. Around 464 in a million people in Britain are named Sullivan.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Daniel
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.