Sister

“A term used for a female sibling” — Embodies compassion and nurturing

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#614US 2023

1.6kBirths / yr

→Stable

563All-time births

📅 Since 188300.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Sister

SIST·er

/ˈsɪst.ɝ/ · stress on SIST · 2 syllables

“A term used for a female sibling”

Embodies compassion and nurturing · American origin

What does Sister mean and where does it come from?

While Sister is not typically used as a formal name, it reflects familial ties and relationships among women. In some contexts, particularly in religious communities, it may be used to show respect toward women who hold a position in leadership or service. The name embodies compassion and nurturing

Cultural significance

Sister has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a term used for a female sibling.

Peak popularity

Reached #745 in 1891 — currently #614 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Sister?

Sister works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sister Grace

How popular is Sister right now?

Holding steady — currently #614 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#614 · Top 0.45%

1885

1890

1895

1900

1905

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#614	1,586	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#619	1,566	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#624	1,536	▲ up 2847 · +21843% births
1935	#3471	7	▼ down 372 · -22% births
1930	#3099	9	▼ down 136 · -18% births
1925	#2963	11	▲ up 668 · +38% births
1920	#3631	8	▼ down 1223 · -33% births
1915	#2408	12	▼ down 1362 · -33% births
1910	#1046	18	▲ up 153 · +64% births
1905	#1199	11	▲ up 70 · +10% births
1900	#1269	10	▼ down 306 · -17% births
1895	#963	12	▲ up 306 · +100% births
1890	#1269	6	▼ down 268
1885	#1001	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sister

Best Year2023Rank #614

Peak Count1,586

Average Rank#1904

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202311 years

The story of Sister

Sister has been a beloved American name for over 141 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1883. With 563 total births recorded, Sister remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1001 in 1885 to #614 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Sister in 1891:

Mary Anna Margaret Elizabeth Emma

Sister by decade

Sister peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	31
1890s	104
1900s	115
1910s ★	160
1920s	57
1930s	55
1940s	41

💎Sister has only 563 total recorded births since 1883 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Sister?

Common

SisSiIster

What names sound and feel like Sister?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sister also consider these

Winter

American · the coldest season

Siller

American · a variant of

Clister

American · A form of

Silver

American · Refers to the

Wisper

American · Symbolizes softness and

Common questions about the name Sister

What does the name Sister mean?

Sister means "A term used for a female sibling" — 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 Sister?

Sister is currently ranked #614 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Sister?

Sister 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 Sister?

Sister is a two-syllable name pronounced S IH1 S T ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Sister?

Sister naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.