What does Sakura mean and where does it come from?
Sakura (桜) is a common name in Japan, directly referencing the cherry blossom tree, which is emblematic of the transient nature of life and beauty in Japanese culture. The sakura season is celebrated with Hanami (flower viewing) festivals. The name carries deep cultural significance and symbolizes r
Cultural significance
Sakura has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cherry blossom.
Peak popularity
Reached #2174 in 2012 — currently #3418 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sakura?
Sakura works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sakura Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sakura Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sakura Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sakura Claire
French influence · crisp
Sakura Jane
Literary · strong
Sakura Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sakura right now?
Falling — down 211 spots — currently #3418 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3418 | 47 | ▼ down 211 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #3207 | 51 | ▼ down 289 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #2918 | 58 | ▲ up 86 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #3004 | 53 | ▼ down 346 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #2658 | 67 | ▼ down 287 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #2371 | 80 | ▲ up 578 · +45% births |
| 2005 | #2949 | 55 | ▲ up 2269 · +150% births |
| 2000 | #5218 | 22 | ▲ up 4639 · +175% births |
| 1995 | #9857 | 8 | ▼ down 1034 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #8823 | 9 | ▲ up 2605 · +80% births |
| 1985 | #11428 | 5 | ▼ down 3557 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #7871 | 8 | ▲ up 1371 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #9242 | 5 | — |
The story of Sakura
Sakura is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 1,510 total births recorded, Sakura remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9242 in 1970 to #3418 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sakura in 2012:
Sakura by decade
Sakura peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 41 | |
| 1990s | 111 | |
| 2000s | 595 | |
| 2010s ★ | 700 | |
| 2020s | 53 | |
💎With 1,510 total births, Sakura is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sakura?
What names sound and feel like Sakura?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sakura also consider these
How is Sakura written in other languages?
桜, 咲良, etc.
Japanese Kanji
Common questions about the name Sakura
What does the name Sakura mean?
Sakura means "Cherry blossom" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Sakura?
Sakura is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sakura?
Sakura originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Sakura?
Sakura is a three-syllable name pronounced S AE0 K UH1 R AA2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Sakura?
Sakura pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Japan heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.