Origin & Meaning of the Sullivan Surname
What does the last name Sullivan mean?
The surname Sullivan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 220,990 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Sullivan ranks as the #105 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Sullivan come from?
The Sullivan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Sullivan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Sullivan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Sullivan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #105 |
| US Count (2010) | 220,990 |
| Per 100K People | 74.92 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Sullivan
According to the US Census, the Sullivan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 220,990 Americans with the Sullivan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.73% |
| Black | 7.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.57% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Sullivan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Sullivan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Sullivan surname increased by 5,350 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Sullivan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Sullivan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Sullivan Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Sullivan Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Sullivan
- ✓ The Sullivan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Sullivan families live today
- ✓ Notable Sullivan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Sullivan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Sullivan.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Sullivan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sullivan
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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