The first name Sullivan
A boy’s name.
3 syllables Male Also a surname
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 165 boys were named Sullivan, making it the 274th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2024, with 174 births (#269).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Sullivan with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Sullivan at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 1,083 boys born in the United States were named Sullivan, the 314th most popular boys’ name that year.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Nicknames and spellings
Nicknames for Sullivan
Famous people named Sullivan
3 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Sullivan StapletonAustralian actor (born 1977)
- John Sullivan DwightAmerican music critic and Unitarian minister, 1813–1893
- Jeremiah S. BlackAmerican lawyer and politician (1810-1883)
Questions
- How popular is the name Sullivan?
- In 2025, 165 boys born in England and Wales were named Sullivan, ranking 274th. Its peak was 2024, with 174 births.
- What are nicknames for Sullivan?
- Common nicknames for Sullivan include Sully.
- Is Sullivan a boy's or a girl's name?
- Both. Of the 17,077 US babies named Sullivan since 1880, 8% were girls and 92% boys.
- When was Sullivan most popular?
- 2025 in the United States, when 1,083 babies were named Sullivan, its highest rank at 314th.
- Is Sullivan also a surname?
- Yes. Sullivan is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.