Rising since 2020, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Saba since 1970
Babies named Saba per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 99 | 0 |
| 1980s | 283 | 5 |
| 1990s | 407 | 30 |
| 2000s | 358 | 29 |
| 2010s | 283 | 18 |
| 2020s | 157 | 12 |
Meaning & origin
Saba is a name with deep historical and cultural resonance, drawing from Arabic, Hebrew, and Ethiopian traditions. While its precise meaning is debated, it is often linked to the ancient kingdom of Sheba (Saba) or the Arabic word for 'morning wind.' In the United States, Saba first appeared on the Social Security baby name charts in 1970, and after peaking in usage in 2001, it has seen a resurgence since 2020, ranking 4,878th in 2025. The name is most popular in California, reflecting its appeal among diverse communities. Despite its modest rank, Saba carries a sense of antiquity and cross-cultural significance, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with depth.
The name Saba has multiple potential origins. In Arabic, it may derive from صَبَا (ṣabā) meaning 'morning wind' or 'easterly wind,' or be associated with the ancient kingdom of Sheba (Saba in Arabic). In Hebrew, it can be a variant of Sheba, the name of the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon. In the Ge'ez language of Ethiopia, Saba is linked to the Sabaean civilization. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world, among Jewish communities, and in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Where Saba is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Saba” around the world
Where Saba lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Saba
Names that share Saba's style, for a brother or sister.
