What does Savannah mean and where does it come from?
The name Savannah comes from the native Taino word 'zabana', which means 'treeless plain', a term for a grassland region. Popularized in the U.S. in the late 20th century, it became well-known due to cities named Savannah in Georgia and the famous square in Savannah, which is a historic area. The na
Cultural significance
Savannah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #30 in 2006 — currently #92 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Savannah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Savannah?
Savannah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Savannah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Savannah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Savannah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Savannah Claire
French influence · crisp
Savannah Jane
Literary · strong
Savannah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Savannah right now?
Declining — down 16 spots — currently #92 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #92 | 2,752 | ▼ down 16 · -10% births |
| 2022 | #76 | 3,049 | ▼ down 8 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #68 | 3,482 | ▼ down 1 · -1% births |
| 2020 | #67 | 3,515 | ▼ down 29 · -36% births |
| 2015 | #38 | 5,456 | ▲ up 6 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #44 | 5,373 | ▼ down 9 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #35 | 6,481 | ▲ up 2 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #37 | 7,099 | ▲ up 31 · +45% births |
| 1995 | #68 | 4,903 | ▲ up 137 · +250% births |
| 1990 | #205 | 1,402 | ▼ down 4 · +6% births |
| 1985 | #201 | 1,321 | ▲ up 1988 · +2772% births |
| 1980 | #2189 | 46 | ▲ up 1585 · +171% births |
| 1975 | #3774 | 17 | ▼ down 1323 · -43% births |
| 1970 | #2451 | 30 | ▲ up 949 · +114% births |
| 1965 | #3400 | 14 | — |
The story of Savannah
Savannah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #30 in 2006. More than 177,538 babies have been named Savannah since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #418 in 1880 to #92 in 2023. Savannah is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Savannah in 2006:
Savannah by decade
Savannah peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 285 | |
| 1890s | 379 | |
| 1900s | 445 | |
| 1910s | 642 | |
| 1920s | 680 | |
| 1930s | 429 | |
| 1940s | 392 | |
| 1950s | 326 | |
| 1960s | 171 | |
| 1970s | 233 | |
| 1980s | 8,743 | |
| 1990s | 44,748 | |
| 2000s ★ | 64,832 | |
| 2010s | 51,718 | |
| 2020s | 3,515 | |
What are good nicknames for Savannah?
What names sound and feel like Savannah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Savannah also consider these
How is Savannah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Savannah
What does the name Savannah mean?
Savannah 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 Savannah?
Savannah is currently ranked #92 in the United States as a baby 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 Savannah?
Savannah 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.
How do you pronounce the name Savannah?
Savannah is a three-syllable name pronounced S AH0 V AE1 N AH0. 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 Savannah?
Savannah pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.