Sullivans History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland-Alt
Ireland

Etymology of Sullivans

What does the name Sullivans mean?

The old Gaelic name used by the Sullivans family in Ireland was Ó Suileabhain, which is partially derived from the word "suil," which means "eye." The surname probably means either one-eyed or hawk-eyed.

Early Origins of the Sullivans family

The surname Sullivans was first found in the territory of Cahir in County Tipperary (Irish: Thiobraid Árann), established in the 13th century in South-central Ireland, in the province of Munster. The Sullivan spelling is by far the most common name in Munster, and is predominantly found in the counties of Cork and Kerry, with a smaller but still significant population in County Limerick.

Early History of the Sullivans family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sullivans research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1590, 1660, 1700, 1745, 1748, 1784 and 1837 are included under the topic Early Sullivans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sullivans Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: O'Sullivan, Sullivan and others.

Early Notables of the Sullivans family

Phillip O'Sullivan Beare (1590-1660), soldier in the Spanish army who is best remembered as a historian; Colonel John O'Sullivan (b. 1700) companion to the "Young Pretender" who led the...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sullivans Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sullivans family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Andrew, Arthur, Daniel, Denis, John, Michael, Patrick, Simon, Timothy and William O'Sullivan, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

The Sullivans Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Lamh foistenach abú
Motto Translation: The steady hand to victory.