MallowbyNames

Sabas

SAY-bas · Of uncertain origin; possibly from an Aramaic name meaning 'old man' or a Greek name.

Peak popularity
1930
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Sabas since 1912

Babies named Sabas per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61218192019602000Most births 1930Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s21
1920s57
1930s62
1940s77
1950s54
1960s71
1970s85
1980s64
1990s114
2000s71
2010s33
2020s30

Meaning & origin

Sabas is a name of ancient lineage, rooted in both Greek and biblical traditions. First recorded in the U.S. in 1912, it has never achieved widespread popularity; its peak year was 1930, yet even then it remained exceedingly rare. The name is associated with Saint Sabas, a 5th-century ascetic, lending it a strong religious and historical resonance. In recent decades, usage has remained stable at extremely low levels, with no significant revival. While data on regional concentration is limited, Sabas is more likely encountered in communities with Eastern Orthodox heritage. Its obscurity makes it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with deep ecclesiastical roots but little modern footprint.

Sabas is a name of uncertain etymology, often linked to the Aramaic saba (old man) or to the Greek name Sabbas. It appears in Christian tradition as the name of Saint Sabas, a 5th-century Palestinian monk and founder of the Great Lavra. The name has been used in Eastern Orthodox cultures and occasionally in the West, though it remains rare.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Sabbas, Savvas

Sibling names for Sabas

Names that share Sabas's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Sabas, our favorite little boy.

S is for Sabas…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Sabas's letter becomes Sabas's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Sabas's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Sabas mean?
The meaning of Sabas is uncertain; it may derive from an Aramaic word for 'old man' or from a Greek name.
How popular is Sabas?
Sabas is a very rare name. According to U.S. data, it has never ranked in the top 1000. Its peak year was 1930, with only a handful of births.
Is Sabas a boy's or girl's name?
Sabas is traditionally a masculine name.