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Home › Baby Names Directory › Sully

Sully

♀ Girl

Pronounced SUL-ee /ˈsʌl.i/Medium

Meaning: A short surname/nickname name — from the Irish surname O Suilleabhain (linked to 'dark-eyed'), from French place names, and as a pet form of names like Sullivan or Sulema. Bright and friendly; routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A bright, friendly name: Sully comes from an Irish surname and reads as a cheerful short name (said 'SUL-ee'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.
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Origin LowIrish, English
MeaningA short surname/nickname name — from the Irish surname O Suilleabhain (linked to 'dark-eyed'), from French place names, and as a pet form of names like Sullivan or Sulema. Bright and friendly; routes uncertain.
U.S. rank (2024)#17335 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 364

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198419802024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Sully reads as a short surname/nickname name — from the Irish O Suilleabhain, from French place names, and as a pet form of Sullivan. Its route is layered, which we note — bright and rare for girls in the U.S. (said 'SUL-ee').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, friendly, and spirited.

Did you know? Sully draws on the Irish surname O Suilleabhain (linked to 'dark-eyed'), French place names, and short forms of Sullivan — a friendly, spirited name whose route is layered, which we note (said 'SUL-ee').
Overall data confidence 34%
References — Sully — Irish surname / French place names / Sullivan short form; routes uncertain

Variations

SullieSulleySullivan

Nicknames

SulLulu

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sully…

Sullivan— the name it can shorten
Tully— a like Irish surname-name
Molly— a like bright short name
Sadie— a like friendly -ie name

Explore names like Sully

By themeuncertainshortirishsurname

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sully mean?

Sully comes from the Irish surname O Suilleabhain (linked to 'dark-eyed') and reads as a friendly short name. The routes are layered, which we note.

How do you pronounce Sully?

It's said SUL-ee /ˈsʌl.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sully a boy or girl name?

Sully is used for both; here it's a girl's name.

How popular is Sully?

Sully is a rare name for girls in the U.S.

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