What does Sunday mean and where does it come from?
Sunday has gained popularity as a given name in various cultures, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. Traditionally, Sunday is associated with brightness and warmth, reflecting the sun's significance in many cultures. The name is often seen as unique and has been embraced by pare
Cultural significance
Sunday has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the name of the day, meaning 'day of the sun'.
Peak popularity
Reached #984 in 1966 — currently #1290 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sunday?
Sunday works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sunday Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sunday Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sunday Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sunday Claire
French influence · crisp
Sunday Jane
Literary · strong
Sunday Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sunday right now?
Rising fast — up 416 spots — currently #1290 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1290 | 178 | ▲ up 416 · +45% births |
| 2022 | #1706 | 123 | ▲ up 164 · +15% births |
| 2021 | #1870 | 107 | ▲ up 332 · +32% births |
| 2020 | #2202 | 81 | ▲ up 2944 · +212% births |
| 2015 | #5146 | 26 | ▼ down 1325 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #3821 | 40 | ▲ up 5696 · +264% births |
| 2005 | #9517 | 11 | ▲ up 5704 · +120% births |
| 2000 | #15221 | 5 | ▼ down 9741 · -71% births |
| 1995 | #5480 | 17 | ▼ down 142 |
| 1990 | #5338 | 17 | ▼ down 200 · +21% births |
| 1985 | #5138 | 14 | ▼ down 1381 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #3757 | 21 | ▼ down 1750 · -52% births |
| 1975 | #2007 | 44 | ▼ down 13 · +5% births |
| 1970 | #1994 | 42 | ▼ down 311 · -7% births |
| 1965 | #1683 | 45 | — |
The story of Sunday
Sunday entered American naming records in 1924 and has been in use for over 100 years. With 2,339 total births recorded, Sunday remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3134 in 1940 to #1290 in 2023. Sunday is used for both genders: 97% female and 3% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sunday in 1966:
Sunday by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 14 | |
| 1920s | 13 | |
| 1930s | 13 | |
| 1940s | 140 | |
| 1950s | 244 | |
| 1960s ★ | 511 | |
| 1970s | 466 | |
| 1980s | 147 | |
| 1990s | 155 | |
| 2000s | 131 | |
| 2010s | 424 | |
| 2020s | 81 | |
💎With 2,339 total births, Sunday is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Sunday?
What names sound and feel like Sunday?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sunday also consider these
Common questions about the name Sunday
What does the name Sunday mean?
Sunday means "Derived from the name of the day, meaning 'day of the sun'" — 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 Sunday?
Sunday is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sunday have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Sunday?
Sunday 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 Sunday?
Sunday is a two-syllable name pronounced S AH1 N D EY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sunday trending right now?
Sunday is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.