Baby Names That Start With S: 39 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
S is one of the most popular first letters in English, with names that sound smooth and confident: Sophia, Samuel, Scarlett, Sebastian. This list gathers 39 names that start with S, with meanings, origins and a short note on each.
Reviewed
We flag disputed etymologies honestly, as with Samantha and Sullivan. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (19)
- SabrinaLatinthe Latin name of the River SevernMystical and retro; popular after 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'.
- SadieHebrewprincess (pet form of Sarah)Perky and old-fashioned.
- SamanthaAramaic (disputed)uncertain; possibly 'listener'A long-time favourite with the nickname Sam.
- SarahHebrewprincessA biblical classic that has never faded.
- SashaRussiandefender of mankind (short form of Alexandra)Light and used for any gender.
- SavannahSpanishtreeless plainSouthern and sunny.
- ScarlettEnglishscarlet cloth, scarlet-cladBold and glamorous; a top girls' name.
- SeleneGreekmoonA moon goddess with a lyrical sound.
- SeraphinaHebrewfiery ones (from seraphim)Angelic and ornate; nicknames Sera and Fina.
- SerenaLatincalm, sereneA peaceful classic.
- SiennaItalianof Siena (also a warm reddish-brown colour)Earthy and elegant.
- SkyeScottishfrom the Isle of SkyeAiry and adventurous.
- SloaneIrishraiderStylish and sleek.
- SofiaGreekwisdomA global classic, spelled Sophia or Sofia.
- SophieGreekwisdomFriendly and bright.
- StellaLatinstarVintage glamour that is back.
- SummerEnglishthe season of summerWarm, sunny and relaxed.
- SusannaHebrewlily (from shoshan)A softer, more vintage Susan.
- SylviaLatinof the forestPoetic, as in Sylvia Plath; the nickname Sylvie is lovely.
Boy names (17)
- SalvadorSpanishsaviourStrong and artistic, as in Salvador Dalí.
- SamuelHebrewGod has heard (debated)A biblical prophet's name; nickname Sam.
- SantiagoSpanishSaint JamesRich and rhythmic, with a lyrical Spanish sound.
- SaulHebrewasked forA biblical king's name, with a modern spin.
- SawyerEnglishwoodcutterA friendly occupational name from 'Tom Sawyer'.
- SeanIrishGod is gracious (Irish form of John)A friendly, classic Irish name.
- SebastianGreekvenerable, revered (from Sebastos)Charming and rounded; nickname Seb or Bash.
- SethHebrewappointedA short biblical classic.
- SilasGreekof the forest (short form of Silvanus)Gentle, bookish and cool.
- SimonHebrewhe has heardA familiar apostle's name.
- SolomonHebrewpeacefulA wise king's name with the nickname Sol.
- SorenDanishstern (from Severinus)A Scandinavian name with a modern feel.
- SpencerEnglishdispenser of provisionsPreppy and friendly.
- StanleyEnglishstone clearingA vintage name with a warm, quirky feel.
- StephenGreekcrownA first Christian martyr's name.
- SterlingEnglishuncertain; possibly 'little star' or 'silver penny'Polished and distinctive.
- SullivanIrishuncertain; often explained as 'dark-eyed'A friendly surname-name; nickname Sully.
Unisex names (3)
- SageEnglish / Latinwise (also the herb)Earthy and calm.
- SkylerDutchscholarLight and breezy.
- SuttonEnglishsouth townA stylish surname-name.
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How to choose
Choose your sibilant
S names have a soft hiss that is gentle (Sophie, Sage) or strong (Sebastian, Spencer). If your surname also starts with S, say them together, because Sophia Stevens can tie your tongue.
Look at the Scandinavian and Spanish options
Soren (Danish), Sven (Scandinavian), Santiago and Salvador (Spanish) are less common in the US, easy to say and carry a strong meaning.
Pair with a shorter middle name
Long S names (Sebastian, Seraphina, Samantha) pair well with one-syllable middle names (Rose, James, Grace), which keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with S?
Sophia, Scarlett, Stella and Sofia are popular for girls, while Samuel, Sebastian and Silas are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with S?
Seraphina, Sylvia, Soren, Solomon and Salvador are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with S?
Sage, Skyler, Sutton and Sasha are all used for any gender.
What is a good S name for a girl with a nature meaning?
Skye (the Isle of Skye), Summer, Sage and Sylvia (of the forest) are all inspired by nature.
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