Sullivan

Sullivan strides in with Irish bona fides, an anglicization of the Gaelic surname O'Suileabhain, from suil meaning eye and possibly dubh for dark or ban for one, often translated as dark-eyed one. Long a surname carried by boxers, composers, and Gilbert's operetta partner, it crossed into first-name territory in the 2000s and has climbed steadily, embraced for both boys and girls. Three syllables with a confident start and a soft landing, SUL-li-van. The natural nickname Sully gives it a friendly release valve. It has an Irish pub warmth about it, unfussy and affable, the kind of name that introduces itself with a handshake.