Sailor

“The name Sailor is derived from the English occupation term referring to individuals who navigate watercraft”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 16% boys♀ 84% girls

#1077US 2023

230Births / yr

↑Rising

3.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 199800.01% of births at peak

What does Sailor mean and where does it come from?

The name Sailor is derived from the English occupation term referring to individuals who navigate watercraft. It has gained popularity as a unisex given name in recent years, especially in the U.S. Its usage grew alongside a broader trend of using occupational names as first names. The name evokes i

Cultural significance

Sailor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #1055 in 2017 — currently #1077 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sailor?

Sailor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sailor Grace

How popular is Sailor right now?

Rising fast — up 224 spots — currently #1077 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#1077 · Top 0.79%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1077	230	▲ up 224 · +26% births
2022	#1301	182	▼ down 144 · -14% births
2021	#1157	212	▼ down 71 · -5% births
2020	#1086	224	▲ up 7 · -5% births
2015	#1093	237	▲ up 1088 · +163% births
2010	#2181	90	▲ up 1394 · +114% births
2005	#3575	42	▼ down 363 · -2% births
2000	#3212	43	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sailor

Best Year2023Rank #1077

Peak Count237

Average Rank#1835

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Sailor

Sailor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 3,071 total births recorded, Sailor remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3212 in 2000 to #1077 in 2023. Sailor is used for both genders: 84% female and 16% male.

Names that peaked alongside Sailor in 2017:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Sailor by decade

Sailor peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	79
2000s	704
2010s ★	2,027
2020s	261

💎With 3,071 total births, Sailor is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Sailor?

Common

SaiSailSailieSailyIlor

What names sound and feel like Sailor?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sailor also consider these

Tailor

American · One who tailors

Saelor

American · Derived from 'sailor',

Kailor

American · keeper of the

Saylor

English · boatman or sailor

Sailer

American · one who sails

Saivon

American · Hebrew

Taihlor

American · Variant of Taylor,

Bailor

USA · English

Common questions about the name Sailor

What does the name Sailor mean?

Sailor means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Sailor?

Sailor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sailor have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Sailor?

Sailor originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Sailor trending right now?

Sailor is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Sailor a common or rare name?

Sailor is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.