What does Sayuri mean and where does it come from?
Sayuri (小百合) is a traditional Japanese name combining the characters for 'small' (小) and 'lily' (百合). It is a relatively common name in Japan and evokes feelings of elegance and simplicity. The name has cultural significance in Japan, often associated with beauty and purity. Sayuri has been featured
Cultural significance
Sayuri has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small lily.
Peak popularity
Reached #1952 in 2007 — currently #2380 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japan-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sayuri?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sayuri?
Sayuri works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sayuri Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Sayuri Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Sayuri Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Sayuri Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Sayuri Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Sayuri Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Sayuri right now?
Rising fast — up 1368 spots — currently #2380 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2380 | 76 | ▲ up 1368 · +85% births |
| 2024 | #3748 | 41 | ▼ down 234 · -9% births |
| 2023 | #3514 | 45 | ▲ up 582 · +25% births |
| 2022 | #4096 | 36 | ▼ down 767 · -25% births |
| 2021 | #3329 | 48 | ▲ up 939 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #4268 | 32 | ▼ down 1168 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #3100 | 54 | ▼ down 854 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #2246 | 86 | ▲ up 3866 · +330% births |
| 2005 | #6112 | 20 | ▲ up 1697 · +54% births |
| 2000 | #7809 | 13 | ▲ up 710 · +30% births |
| 1995 | #8519 | 10 | ▲ up 1348 · +25% births |
| 1990 | #9867 | 8 | ▲ up 2017 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #11884 | 5 | — |
The story of Sayuri
Sayuri is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 1,175 total births recorded, Sayuri remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11884 in 1985 to #3514 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Sayuri in 2007:
Sayuri by decade
Sayuri peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 20 | |
| 1990s | 77 | |
| 2000s | 460 | |
| 2010s ★ | 581 | |
| 2020s | 149 | |
💎With 1,175 total births, Sayuri is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sayuri?
What names sound and feel like Sayuri?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sayuri also consider these
How is Sayuri written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Sayuri
What does the name Sayuri mean?
Sayuri means "Small lily" — 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 Sayuri?
Sayuri is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sayuri have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Sayuri?
Sayuri 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 Sayuri?
Sayuri is a three-syllable name pronounced SAY-YER-ee. 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 Sayuri?
Sayuri 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.