Sullivan: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days serve as cultural celebrations, often tied to religious calendars, honoring the saints or figures associated with the given name. The name Sullivan, rooted in ancient Irish heritage, has steadily grown in popularity, especially in the US where it functions as a strong masculine first name. Its core meaning relates to being a "descendant of the dark-eyed one," lending it an image of keen perception and strength. The name carries a robust and heritage-rich mood, suggesting professionalism and stability. For those observing traditional calendars, Sullivan's name day is celebrated in the USA on November 9th.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Sullivan's name day is celebrated
on November 9 in the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
Sullivan has experienced notable growth as a given name in the United States, moving from primarily a surname to a more frequent first name choice in the 21st century. Its popularity surge is often attributed to the trend of using strong, established Irish surnames as first names. While consistently popular in the US, its use as a first name is also observed in other Western countries with strong Irish diaspora connections, such as Australia and Canada. Historically, its transition to a given name is a relatively modern phenomenon, gaining traction particularly after the year 2000. It typically ranks within the top 400 male names nationally in the USA, demonstrating steady acceptance.
Name origin and meaning
The name Sullivan is primarily derived from the Irish Gaelic surname O'Súilleabháin, which is highly recognizable and prominent in Ireland. This ancient lineage is one of the most common surnames found throughout the country. The elements of the name combine the Irish prefix "O," meaning "descendant of," with "Súilleabhán." This latter component is often interpreted to relate to having dark eyes or a keen sight. Therefore, the traditional meaning is typically rendered as "descendant of the dark-eyed one" or "descendant of the hawk-eyed one."
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Worldwide, Sullivan is overwhelmingly classified and utilized as a masculine given name. While historically a surname, when adopted as a first name, it is almost exclusively assigned to males across North America and Europe. The strong, consonant-heavy structure contributes significantly to its perceived male identity. Occasionally, the name might appear in lists for unisex or female names due to modern naming trends, but such usage remains extremely rare globally. Therefore, Sullivan is strongly identified as a male name within current naming conventions.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Sullivan projects a strong and sophisticated tone, embodying a sense of traditional Celtic resilience. It carries a professional vibe, suggesting stability and a grounded personality, often associated with trustworthiness. This name strikes a balance between being classic and slightly modern due to its recent adoption as a first name. It avoids being overtly soft, instead leaning towards a solid, established, and authoritative mood. Overall, Sullivan evokes an image that is both robust and elegantly heritage-rich.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Sullivan
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 11 – The Visionary (Master Intuition).
Keywords: Intuition, spiritual awakening, enlightenment, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Highly intuitive, visionary, creative, empathetic, psychic abilities.
Challenges: Anxiety, nervous energy, fear of failure, sensitivity overload.
Life Path Meaning: A calling to inspire others with deep spiritual insights and creativity.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 1 - The Leader.
Traits: Independent, ambitious, innovative, self-motivated, determined.
Strengths: Natural-born leader, confident, strong-willed, courageous.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, or overly self-focused.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Moon - Emotions, Intuition, Nurturing.
The Moon governs emotions, intuition, and deep connections with others. Names ruled by the Moon carry an aura of gentleness, care, and introspection. Those with Moon-ruled names are often empathetic, protective, and highly in tune with their feelings and the emotions of those around them. Their nurturing nature makes them excellent caregivers and trusted confidants.
Name days: Name Sullivan
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Sullivan A Strong Heritage Name
In conclusion, Sullivan is a distinguished name that has successfully transitioned from a ubiquitous Irish surname into a favored modern first name, particularly in English-speaking regions. Its masculine identity is firmly established worldwide, reflecting a strong, authoritative, yet elegant mood. Derived from O'Súilleabháin, the name conveys a meaning linked to keen sight or dark eyes, emphasizing its ancient lineage. This robust and culturally rich name offers a strong choice for parents seeking heritage and sophistication. Finally, the name's place on the calendar is recognized in the USA, where its name day falls on November 9th.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
USA