Sava
Sava has Slavic origins and can be traced back to early Eastern European roots
Serbian origin · Unisex name
97% boys3% girls
#1611US 2023
589Births / yr
Stable
157All-time births
📅 Since 201300
How to pronounce Sava
SAH·vuh
/ˈsɑ.və/ · stress on SAH · 2 syllables
Sava has Slavic origins and can be traced back to early Eastern European roots
Serbian origin · Unisex name

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 #17932 in 2013 — currently #1611 in the US.
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Related Reading
Serbian-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →

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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sava Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sava Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sava Claire
French influence · crisp
Sava Jane
Literary · strong
Sava Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Sava
Browse ideas →

How popular is Sava right now?

Holding steady — currently #1611 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20212023#1611 · Top 1.2%
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#1611589▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022#1616569▲ up 5 · +6% births
2021#1621539

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 2013:

Sava by decade

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

DecadeBirths
2000s59
2010s92
2020s6
💎Sava has only 157 total recorded births since 2013 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Sava?

Common
SavSavieSavy

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 S AA1 V AH0. 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.