O'Sullivan surname: meaning and origin
O'Sullivan means descendant of Súilleabhán, often explained as one-eyed or hawk-eyed (the meaning is debated). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Cork and Kerry.
| Irish form | Ó Súilleabháin |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Súilleabhán, often explained as one-eyed or hawk-eyed (the meaning is debated) |
| Home region | Cork and Kerry (Munster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Sullivan |
History of the O'Sullivan name
The O'Sullivans were a leading family of south-west Munster, split into the Beare and Dunkerron branches. Many dropped the O' in the nineteenth century.
More surnames from Munster
- Barryde Barra · from Barry
- O'BrienÓ Briain · descendant of Brian
- CahillÓ Cathail · descendant of Cathal
- O'CallaghanÓ Ceallacháin · descendant of Ceallachán
- McCarthyMac Cárthaigh · son of Cárthach
- CaseyÓ Cathasaigh · descendant of Cathasach
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname O'Sullivan mean?
O'Sullivan (Irish: Ó Súilleabháin) means descendant of Súilleabhán, often explained as one-eyed or hawk-eyed (the meaning is debated).
What is the Irish spelling of O'Sullivan?
The Irish-language form of O'Sullivan is Ó Súilleabháin.
Where is the surname O'Sullivan from?
O'Sullivan is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Cork and Kerry in Munster.
What are other spellings of O'Sullivan?
Related spellings and forms include Sullivan.