What does Sava mean and where does it come from?
Sava has Slavic origins and can be traced back to early Eastern European roots. It is a popular name in countries such as Serbia and Bulgaria, signifying strength and connection. Notably, Saint Sava is an important figure in Serbian history, being the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Cultural significance
Sava has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Serbian-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slavic.
Peak popularity
Reached #6761 in 2024 — currently #9566 in the US.
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Related Reading
Serbian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sava?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sava?
Sava works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sava Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Sava John
One syllable · timeless choice
Sava Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Sava Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Sava Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Sava Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Sava right now?
Falling — down 2805 spots — currently #9566 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #9566 | 8 | ▼ down 2805 · -38% births |
| 2024 | #6761 | 13 | ▼ down 5150 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #1611 | 589 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1616 | 569 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1621 | 539 | — |
The story of Sava
Sava is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2013. With 157 total births recorded, Sava remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1621 in 2021 to #1611 in 2023. Sava is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sava in 2024:
💎Sava has only 157 total recorded births since 2013 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Sava?
What names sound and feel like Sava?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sava also consider these
How is Sava written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Sava
What does the name Sava mean?
Sava means "Slavic" — a name rooted in Serbian 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 Sava?
Sava is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Sava?
Sava originates from Serbian tradition. Serbian 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 Sava?
Sava is a two-syllable name pronounced SAH-vuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sava a common or rare name?
Sava is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.