Sullivan

Sullivan is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic Ó Súilleabháin, meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán.” The name is common in Ireland and among descendants of Irish immigrants, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is typically spelled Sullivan, though variants such as O’Sullivan are widely encountered.

Notable people with the surname include Ed Sullivan, the American television host who presented The Ed Sullivan Show; Roy Sullivan, a U.S. park ranger famous for surviving a record seven lightning strikes; and Sullivan Stapleton, an Australian actor known for roles in film and television. The name appears across diverse fields, reflecting its broad distribution.

Geography and institutions: Sullivan is used as a place name in the United States, including Sullivan County in New York and several towns named Sullivan in states such as Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Educational institutions bearing the name include Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky. The surname also appears in cultural and commercial contexts, underscoring its enduring presence in public life.