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Sullivan

Boy name · 56 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Sullivan: 56 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 12 births in 2024.

Sullivan began as an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic Ó Súilleabháin, meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán”—a personal name thought to combine súil (eye) and dubh (dark), often interpreted as “dark-eyed” or “little dark eye.” Among its most famous bearers are John L. Sullivan, the bare-knuckle boxing champion of the late 1800s, and actor Sullivan Stapleton, known for roles in Strike Back and Animal Kingdom. The name also lives on in several place names, including Sullivan County in New York, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, all honouring American Revolutionary War general John Sullivan. Though rooted in Irish heritage, Sullivan has become a popular first name in Scotland and beyond, fitting neatly with the modern trend for surname-style given names while keeping a warm, approachable feel.