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Sullivan Name History

Sullivan Irish Coat of arms

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The history of the name Sullivan dates back to a time before the Irish names were translated into English. The old Gaelic name used by the Sullivan family in Ireland was O Suileabhain, which is partially derived from the word "suil," which means "eye." The surname probably means either one-eyed or hawk-eyed.

From the Sullivans 'R' Us Blog, "O'Sullivan is the third most popular name in Ireland behind Murphy and Kelly. Tipperary was the original territory of this sept (family group). There seem to be two major Irish septs of O Sullivans in Ireland now. They are the O Sullivan Mor and the O Sullivan Beare Families. The Mor group may be the main line because the word Mor means main. They were based in the County Kerry and later moved to the Kenmore Peninsula known today as the Ring of Kerry. They had a castle at Kenmore called Dunkerron. The O Sullivan Beare (Bear, or Beare or Beara refers to the Beara Peninsula) group was based in County Cork and later moved into the Bantry Bay area and had a castle at Ardloe." 

More about Sullivan family crest and name history

The Sullivan history is long and storied. We have two heirloom-quality products that provide detailed information on the Sullivan coat of arms and name.

We also carry many other products, including clothing, glassware, flags and more, all of which can be personalized with the Sullivan coat of arms and surname. Visit our Irish Coat of Arms page for great gift ideas.

Visit Sullivan's Pub in Ireland

You can find at least two pubs with the Sullivan or O'Sullivan name.

If you can't visit in person, our personalized pub gifts are the next best thing!

Notable people named Sullivan

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