AHEAD: The ultimate list of S names for girls… and which could go viral in 2025.
If you’re looking for stunning girl names that start with S, you’re in the right place!
Below, I’ve rounded up every single “S” name that’s even the slightest bit modern and cool.
Below you’ll find over 90 names, their meanings, and current popularities.
You’ll also find a shortlist of S names poised to go viral in 2025.
Related: Boy Names that Start with S
“S” names trending in 2025
These girls’ names starting with S are climbing the charts right now, each making significant gains since last year.
Salem
- Name meaning: Peace or safety.
- Popularity: #420 (↑31)
Samara 🔥
- Name meaning: A winged seed that falls from a tree. We used to stick these on our noses as kids!
- Popularity: #259 (↑40)
Sariyah 🔥
- Name meaning: Princess.
- Popularity: Sariyah ranks #577 (↑156) and Sariah ranks #996.
Scottie 🔥
- Name meaning: Scottish person.
- Popularity: #617 (↑306)
Selah 🔥
- Name meaning: To praise. To stop and reflect.
- Popularity: #303 (↑56)
Seraphina
- Name meaning: Fiery.
- Popularity: #974 (↑65)
Shiloh 🔥
- Name meaning: Tranquil.
- Popularity: This peaceful hippie name ranks #286 (↑58) for girls and #388 for boys.
Solana
- Name meaning: Sunshine or eastern wind.
- Popularity: #934 (↑170)
Sunny 🔥
- Name meaning: Sunshine. Cheerful temperament.
- Popularity: #406 (↑147)
TAP THE BOTTOM RIGHT OF THE IMAGE TO PIN IT
Sutton 🔥
- Name meaning: Southern settlement.
- Popularity: #205 (↑11)
Sylvie 🔥
- Name meaning: From the forest. Woman of the woods.
- Popularity: #425 (↑7)
More on 2025 predictions shortly!
Popular girl names that start with S
These modern girl names that start with S are ranked in the top 200.
Sadie
- Name meaning: Princess.
- Popularity: #58
Sage
- Name meaning: Grayish green herb.
- Popularity: #143 The greatest middle name!
Savannah
- Name meaning: Treeless plain.
- Popularity: #92
Scarlett
- Name meaning: Red.
- Popularity: Scarlett ranks #17 and Scarlet ranks #465.
Sienna
- Name meaning: Orange-red.
- Popularity: Sienna ranks #140 and Siena ranks #664.
Skylar
- Name meaning: Scholar.
- Popularity: Skylar ranks #107 and Skyler ranks #624.
Sloane
- Name meaning: Warrior.
- Popularity: Sloane ranks #151 and Sloan ranks #688.
Sophia or Sofia
- Name meaning: Wisdom.
- Popularity: Sophia ranks #5 and Sofia ranks #12.
Sophie
- Name meaning: Wisdom.
- Popularity: #60
Stella
- Name meaning: Star.
- Popularity: #46
Summer
- Name meaning: Season.
- Popularity: #141
If you like these popular girl names that start with S you’ll like these badass names.
Cool “S” names for girls
These girls’ names that start with S aren’t super popular… but they should be!
Sawyer
- Name meaning: Person who saws timber wood.
- Popularity: This nonbinary name ranks #280 for girls and #127 for boys.
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Saylor
- Name meaning: Boat worker.
- Popularity: This S name ranks #215 for girls and isn’t ranking for boys.
Scout
- Name meaning: Explorer.
- Popularity: #821
Shay or Shea
- Name meaning: A small tropical African tree. Its nuts give us shea butter!
- Popularity: The tree name Shay ranks #997 and Shea isn’t ranking.
Sierra
- Name meaning: Mountain range.
- Popularity: #566
Skye or Sky
- Name meaning: The atmosphere above.
- Popularity: Skye ranks #446 and Sky ranks #783.
Stevie
- Name meaning: Crown, garland, or victorious.
- Popularity: #244
Sydney
- Name meaning: Wide meadow.
- Popularity: #306
If you like these cool S girl names you’ll like these southern names.
Timeless S girl names
These girl names that start with S don’t tend to evoke any particular decade.
Sarah or Sara
- Name meaning: Princess.
- Popularity: Sarah ranks #91 and Sara ranks #189.
Sasha
- Name meaning: Defender.
- Popularity: #616
Selena or Selene
- Name meaning: Moon goddess.
- Popularity: Selena ranks #229 and Selene ranks #708.
Serena
- Name meaning: Peace and tranquility.
- Popularity: #375
Serenity
- Name meaning: Peace and tranquility.
- Popularity: #105
Susanna
- Name meaning: Lily.
- Popularity: This southern girls’ name isn’t ranking.
Sylvia
- Name meaning: Spirit of the forest.
- Popularity: #426
If you like these timeless S names for girls you’ll like these three-syllable girl names.
Rare girl names starting with S
Here are some rare and unusual baby girl names that start with S.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to view 2025 predictions.
Sable
- Name meaning: A mammal in the weasel family. The color black.
- Popularity: This short S name isn’t ranking.
Sabriana
- Name meaning: From the River Severn.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Sagan
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings: kettle, noisy man, wise one.
- Popularity: This two-syllable S name isn’t ranking.
Sahara
- Name meaning: Desert.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Sakara
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings, one of which is ‘thoughts become things’.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
Sansa
- Name meaning: Praise or charm.
- Popularity: This Game of Thrones-reminiscent name isn’t ranking.
Santina
- Name meaning: Saint.
- Popularity: This uncommon S name isn’t ranking.
Sapphire
- Name meaning: Blue gem.
- Popularity: This rainbow baby S name ranks #973.
Scotland or Scotlynn
- Name meaning: Country.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
Sedona
- Name meaning: A city in Arizona.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
Sequoia
- Name meaning: A redwood tree of California.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Shaelyn
- Name meaning: Noble one.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Shalom
- Name meaning: Hello, goodbye, peace.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
Shivani
- Name meaning: Follower of Hindu deity, Shiva.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
Sia
- Name meaning: Unknown meaning. Possibly means victory, six, light, glow, bringer of joy.
- Popularity: This unusual S name isn’t ranking.
Skyleigh
- Name meaning: Invented name.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Solange
- Name meaning: Formal and dignified.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Solara
- Name meaning: Of the sun.
- Popularity: This uncommon sun name isn’t ranking.
Soleil
- Name meaning: French word for sun.
- Popularity: This S name ranks #978.
Soren
- Name meaning: Stern or severe.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #544 for boys.
Starr
- Name meaning: An astronomical object such as Earth’s sun.
- Popularity: This space-themed S name isn’t ranking.
Stassi
- Name meaning: Resurrection.
- Popularity: This Vanderpump Rules-reminiscent S name isn’t ranking.
Sterling
- Name meaning: Excellent. First-rate. Type of silver.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking for girls but ranks #403 for boys.
Suki
- Name meaning: Loved one.
- Popularity: This rare S name isn’t ranking.
Sumaya
- Name meaning: Many possible meanings: High above, heaven, sky, wise, having great plans.
- Popularity: This unique S name isn’t ranking.
Sunday
- Name meaning: Day of rest.
- Popularity: This unusual S name isn’t ranking.
Suri
- Name meaning: Princess or red rose.
- Popularity: This S name isn’t ranking.
If you like these rare names starting with S you might also like this list of edgy names.
Unique girl names that start with S
These unique girl names that start with S aren’t as obscure as you may have guessed—all of them are ranked in the top 1000.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to the next section to view 2025 predictions.
Saanvi
- Name meaning: Goddess Lakshmi or following.
- Popularity: #965
Salma
- Name meaning: Peace or safety.
- Popularity: #901
Samira
- Name meaning: Evening conversationalist.
- Popularity: #802
Saoirse
- Name meaning: Freedom.
- Popularity: #959
Sarahi
- Name meaning: Princess.
- Popularity: #945
Sarai
- Name meaning: Princess.
- Popularity: #407
Sevyn
- Name meaning: Number seven.
- Popularity: #547
Skyla
- Name meaning: Scholar.
- Popularity: #812
Sol
- Name meaning: Sun.
- Popularity: #892
Stormi
- Name meaning: Weather event.
- Popularity: #872
S names for girls that are past their prime
Most of these S names peaked in popularity in previous decades and, while definitely still usable, may feel less fresh than other options.
👉🏼 Jump ahead to the next section to view 2025 predictions!
Sabrina
- Name meaning: From the River Severn.
- Popularity: #396
Samantha
- Name meaning: Great listener or God has heard.
- Popularity: #114
Shelby
- Name meaning: Willow estate.
- Popularity: #661
Simone
- Name meaning: God has heard.
- Popularity: #927
Stephanie
- Name meaning: Crown, garland, or victorious.
- Popularity: #468
Here are some more that aren’t currently ranking:
| Sabina Sabine Sally Sandra Sandy Selma Shana Shanna Shania Shannon Shari Sharon |
Shawna Shayna Sheena Sheryl Shira Shirley Siobhan Sonia Sonja Stacey Sue Suzanne |
Will Any Girl Names That Start With S Go Viral in 2025?
Yes!
There are four names showing clear viral potential, plus six additional S-names worth watching closely.
S Names Poised to Go Viral
Scottie
Among girl names that start with S, Scottie is showing the most explosive momentum we’ve seen in years.
After first appearing in the girls’ top 1000 in 2022 at #923, this spunky nickname choice skyrocketed 306 spots to #617 in 2023 – a remarkable 33% improvement in just one year.
This dramatic leap isn’t just impressive – it’s historically significant. Scottie had never ranked in the girls’ top 1000 before 2022, making its meteoric rise even more noteworthy.
The name carries literary cache through Frances Scott “Scottie” Fitzgerald, daughter of famed author F. Scott Fitzgerald, giving it both preppy appeal and artistic credibility.
Scottie hits multiple sweet spots in current naming trends: it’s a boyish nickname for girls (like rising star Charlie at #125), features the popular ‘-ie’ ending (shared with Sadie #59 and Millie #102), and taps into the growing Scottish/Celtic name trend.
Sutton
Among girl names that start with S, Sutton has shown remarkable staying power, climbing an astonishing 468 positions since 2016, rising from #673 to #205 in 2023 – and its momentum is still accelerating.
The name first caught attention through Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster, but it was Sutton Stracke’s addition to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in 2020 that sent it soaring. As Stracke’s star power has grown, so has the name’s appeal.
Pop culture reinforced this rise through the character Sutton Brady on Freeform’s The Bold Type (2017-2021), which introduced the name to a younger audience.
The data shows perfect viral conditions: Sutton reached its highest-ever ranking (#205) in 2023, with steady year-over-year gains showing no signs of plateauing. Even in the competitive top 300 range, it improved 11 spots from 2022 to 2023.
The name hits multiple trend markers: it’s a surname-turned-first-name (like rising Sutton’s peers Collins and Palmer), has the fashionable ‘n’ ending, and carries gender-neutral appeal (ranked #446 for boys).
Sunny
Among girl names that start with S, Sunny stands out for showing its most dramatic rise ever recorded in 2023.
After debuting in the top 1000 at #983 in 2017, Sunny has skyrocketed 577 positions in just six years to reach #406.
Its most recent jump is particularly telling – climbing 147 spots between 2022-2023, representing an impressive 26.6% increase in popularity. This is its largest single-year gain ever, suggesting its momentum is actually accelerating rather than slowing down.
The name sits in that sweet spot where viral growth often occurs – ranked high enough to be familiar but not yet mainstream.
It’s perfectly positioned to capitalize on multiple current trends: nature names, word names, and choices with unisex appeal.
Celebrity influence has played a key role in its rise, with Adam Sandler choosing it for his daughter Sunny Madeline back in 2008, helping to establish it as a legitimate given name rather than just a nickname.
Sariyah
Since first appearing in the U.S. top 1000 in 2011 at #983, Sariyah has shown remarkable momentum among girl names that start with S.
The name exploded in 2023 with a dramatic 156-spot jump, one of the largest gains among all girl names that year.
From 240 births in 2011 to 517 births in 2023, Sariyah has seen a 115% increase in actual usage.
Its rise from #987 in 2015 to #577 in 2023 represents a 41.5% improvement in ranking over 8 years.
Rising social media influencer Sariyah Yaya Panton is increasing the name’s visibility.
Related variants Zariah (#412) and Zariyah (#638) collectively represent over 1,500 additional births, showing strong overall appeal for the sound.
Girl Names That Start With S to Watch
While these S-names may not show quite the explosive viral potential as the top predictions above, their momentum and positioning make them strong contenders for significant growth in 2025.
Samara
After first entering the U.S. top 1000 in 1997 at #992, Samara has shown remarkably steady growth to reach #259 in 2023.
But it’s the recent acceleration that makes this name particularly interesting – jumping 40 spots between 2022-2023 alone, and showing a dramatic 115-position improvement between 2021-2023.
Samara benefits from rising star power through Australian actress Samara Weaving, whose profile continues to grow in Hollywood.
The name carries a beautiful nature connection – a samara is the winged seed of maple trees (those helicopter-like seeds children love to play with).
Currently ranked at #259, Samara sits in the sweet spot where girl names that start with S often see explosive growth. Its strong international presence (ranked #47 in Mexico in 2021) suggests untapped potential.
Shiloh
While Shiloh first caught widespread attention as the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter in 2006, it has since carved out its own powerful identity among girl names that start with S.
After entering the girls’ rankings at #788 in 2007, Shiloh has shown remarkable momentum, particularly in recent years. The name jumped an impressive 58 spots between 2022-2023 alone, landing at #286.
The acceleration is noteworthy: it climbed 42 spots in 2020-2021, then 66 spots in 2021-2022, followed by another 58-spot leap in 2022-2023. This pattern of increasing yearly gains suggests its upward trajectory is still building steam.
What makes Shiloh particularly interesting is its dual-gender appeal – it’s simultaneously rising for boys (#388 in 2023). This parallel growth often accelerates popularity for both genders, as we’ve seen with names like Charlie and Riley.
The name hits multiple sweet spots in current naming trends: it has biblical roots (a significant ancient city in Israel), nature connections (meaning “tranquil”), and gender-neutral appeal.
Selah
Among girl names that start with S, Selah stands out for its remarkable momentum since entering the rankings at #944 in 2005.
This meaningful Hebrew name has shown unstoppable upward movement, reaching #303 in 2023.
What’s particularly compelling is its recent acceleration – Selah jumped 56 spots between 2022-2023, representing a 15.6% increase in popularity. This was its largest single-year improvement in recent years.
The name received added cultural visibility through Kanye West’s song “Selah” on his #1 album Jesus Is King (2019), while its biblical roots and mindful meaning (“pause and reflect”) resonate strongly with millennial and Gen Z parents.
With just 1,010 births in 2023 (0.058% of total female births), Selah hits the sweet spot of being recognizable without feeling overused.
Sylvie
Since entering the U.S. top 1000 in 2016 at #959, Sylvie has climbed over 500 spots in just 7 years, representing a stunning 55.7% improvement in ranking.
Births increased from 225 in 2016 to 725 in 2023 – a remarkable 222% increase in actual usage.
Among girl names that start with S, Sylvie is currently positioned exactly where Nova was in 2016 (#428) before its viral rise to #35.
Its trajectory shows impressive acceleration, especially in international markets where it ranks #259 in England & Wales after starting at #1646 in 1996.
Pop culture visibility through Marvel character Sylvie Lushton and Chicago Fire‘s Sylvie Brett, plus Jason Bateman choosing it for his daughter (Maple Sylvie), adds significant cultural momentum.
Seraphina
Fresh off entering the top 1000 for the first time in 2023 at #974, Seraphina’s timing coincides with renewed interest through HBO’s His Dark Materials adaptation.
The 264 births in 2023 represent its highest usage ever recorded in US history, after nearly breaking through in 2022 at #1039.
Among girl names that start with S, Seraphina carries unique angel-themed significance, joining the success of other celestial names like Nova (#35) and Aurora (#22).
With celebrity usage (Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s daughter) and the trending -ina ending seen in successful names like Catalina (#146), Angelina (#314), and Valentina (#49), this ethereal name shows strong potential.
Solana
From not ranking at all in 2022 to #934 in 2023, Solana made one of the most dramatic debuts among girl names that start with S, with an impressive 283 births.
The name gains visibility through Grammy-nominated artist SZA (born Solána Rowe), whose 15 nominations and 3 wins suggest continuing cultural influence.
Solana hits multiple trendy elements: Spanish origin, nature meaning (“sunshine”), and the popular -ana ending seen in successful names like Diana, Ariana, and Liliana.
With SZA’s ongoing prominence in pop culture and the rising popularity of Spanish-origin names, Solana shows strong potential for continued growth through 2025.
Why These S-Names Stand Out
Among the more than 60 girl names that start with S currently ranking in the U.S. top 1000, the above names show uniquely compelling momentum.
While traditional S-names like Sophie (#60), Scarlett (#17), and Sofia (#12) maintain steady popularity, they lack the explosive growth potential of rising stars like Scottie and Sutton.
What sets the predicted names apart is their perfect positioning – they’re established enough to feel familiar but still rare enough to feel special. Their recent dramatic gains suggest building momentum rather than peaking popularity.
Nicknames starting with “S”
These are great if you love long names but want a shorter S-starting nickname.
Sadie
Short for: Sarah, Mercedes, Sadira
Sally
Short for: Sarah, Salome, Rosalie
Sammy
Short for: Samantha, Rosemary, Cassandra
Sandy
Short for: Sandra, Cassandra, Alexandra
Sasha
Short for: Alexandra, Natasha, Alessandra
Savvy
Short for: Savannah, Savina
Scout
Short for: Scarlett, Scotia
Sella
Short for: Isabella, Estella, Gisella
Sera
Short for: Seraphina, Serenity, Serenade
Seri
Short for: Serenity, Serena, Seraphina
Sina
Short for: Christina, Rosina, Thomasina
Sissy
Short for: Cecilia, Priscilla, Narcissa
Sophie
Short for: Sophia, Sophronia, Persephone
Star
Short for: Stella, Esther, Astrid
Stassi
Short for: Anastasia, Eustacia
Stevie
Short for: Stephanie, Estevana
Stella
Short for: Estella, Celestia
Middle name ideas for girl names that start with S
Here are some beautiful first + middle name combinations for a first name with “S” as the first letter.
- Sable Faye
- Sabriana Blake
- Sadie Violet
- Sagan Victoria
- Sage Noelle
- Sahara Hazel
- Sakara Oakley
- Salem Rose
- Samara Hadley
- Samira Belle
- Sansa Rowan
- Santina Rylee
- Saoirse Rainn
- Sapphire Rayne
- Sarah Madison
- Sarai Magnolia
- Sariyah Mia
- Sasha Monet
- Savannah Belle
- Sawyer Paige
- Saylor Lane
- Scarlett Everleigh
- Scotlynn Eve
- Scottie Rylan
- Scout Everleigh
- Sedona Rose
- Selah Rae
- Selena Blair
- Selene Embry
- Sequoia Mazie
- Serafina Ruby
- Serena Everly
- Serenity Reagan
- Sevyn Riley
- Shaelyn Blake
- Shalom Leah
- Shay Victoria
- Shiloh Brooke
- Shivani Marie
- Sia Lennox
- Sienna Jade
- Sierra Phoenix
- Skye Parker
- Skyla Penelope
- Skylar Lily
- Skyleigh Piper
- Sloane Blakely
- Solana Hailey
- Solange Paisley
- Solara Juliet
Things to consider while choosing from S girl names
Before you make your daughter’s name official, here are a few questions worth asking yourself:
-
- How often will others assume the wrong spelling of the name? If you go with Saige, for example, most people will default to the spelling of Sage until corrected. Think about whether this may bother your daughter one day.
- Will young kids be able to pronounce the name? It’s really common for little ones to have trouble pronouncing letters and sounds such as “R”, “S”, “L”, “Th”, and “Z”. This doesn’t work in your favor since your daughter’s first initial will be S. Names like Selene and Scarlett might be particularly hard for your daughter and her friends to say for a few years. Again, think about whether this matters to you—it may not.
- Do her initials spell anything undesirable? Be really careful if you choose a middle name starting with a vowel. Samara Abigail might be a pretty name combination… but what if she marries a Mr. Davis? Then she’ll be “sad”. You should also do a Google search of your baby’s initials before finalizing them.
- Is the name too similar to other living family members? You might want to skip the S name Stevie if your daughter’s uncle is named Steve. You may also want to skip Shay if you’ve got a Shayna in the family.
Ultimately, you and your partner should choose whichever girl name that starts with S that makes you the happiest. It’s a very personal decision that only you can make!
Final thoughts on girl names that start with S
While putting together this list of girl names with S as the first letter, I was struck by how many of them are currently super popular (right up there with M names)…
- There are 8 S names in the top 100.
- There are 8 S names in ranks 101-200 and 7 in ranks 201-300.
- A total of 64 S names rank in the top 1000.
I was surprised to see Selah, Sarai, Sarahi, Saoirse, and Sevyn ranking in the top 1000, as I had never heard these names before!
Sophia is unsurprisingly the most popular S name, coming in at #5 for baby girls in the United States. It’s followed by Sofia, which ranks #12, and Scarlett at #17.
The timeless names Sarah and Savannah are holding strong in the top 100 as well, ranking #91 and #92 respectively.
It’s safe to say, S names for girls are hot right now!
Congratulations and good luck choosing the perfect name beginning with S for your baby girl!
The source for popularity data is SSN.
This article was originally published on Dec 29, 2021 and was updated on Jan 7, 2025.
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