The Sullivan Coat of Arms and Name Meaning
Discover the meaning of Sullivan, its origins in Ireland, and the story behind a Sullivan family crest.
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Origin of the Sullivan name
Sullivan, also O'Sullivan, comes from the Gaelic Ó Súilleabháin, "descendant of Súileabhán", a name built on súil, "eye". The family originated in Tipperary and moved to Cork and Kerry after the Anglo-Norman invasion, where O'Sullivan Mór and O'Sullivan Beare became powerful lords. It is one of the most common names in Munster and in Irish America.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Sullivan name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Sullivan name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and England; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Sullivan family history
The complete Sullivan pack goes much further: documented origins, early records and family spread, plus a hand-checked coat of arms.
Sullivan name FAQ
What does the Sullivan name mean?
Descendant of Súileabhán (from súil, "eye"). Common variants include O'Sullivan, Sullavan.
Where does the Sullivan surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, Australia and England.
Is there a Sullivan coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Sullivan crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Sullivan coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).