Sullivan

Sullivan is the transferred use of an anglicized Irish surname which originally came in the Gaelic form of O'Súilleabháin from the Irish nickname Súilleabháin with variable meanings of either “one-eyed”, “hawk-eyed” or “dark-eyed”. All scholars are in agreement that the root word “súil” means “eye” but the remainder is in question. The O’Sullivans (along with the MacCarthys, O’Keefes and O’Callaghans) are old kinsmen descended from an ancient 3rd century King of Munster (which pretty much covered all of southern Ireland). The distinguished O’Sullivans were a part of the legendary Eóganachta dynasty which dominated southern Ireland for over eight centuries. In other words, Sullivan is not only an ancient Irish family name, but it’s one of notable importance. Furthermore, the O’Sullivan Clan also claimed to be direct descendents of the Milesians who, according to Irish mythology, were the first Celts to arrive in Ireland – a place they believed to be their land of destiny. Sullivan continues to be the most common surname in the province of Munster (mainly in counties Cork and Kerry), and it’s the third most popular surname in all of Ireland (after Murphy and Kelly). Sullivan is also extremely widespread in other English-speaking countries where the Irish immigrated. Some notable name bearers include Eoghan Rua Ó Súilleabháin (anglicized as Owen Roe O'Sullivan) who was an important 18th century Irish-Gaelic poet and Arthur Sullivan (of the Gilbert and Sullivan opera fame) was of Irish descent. Anne Sullivan was Helen Keller’s teacher and Ed Sullivan is a memorable American entertainer. As a given name, however, Sullivan is used primarily in the United States.