Rising since 2010, #2,691 for girls today.
Popularity of Sable since 1923
Babies named Sable per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 12 |
| 1940s | 11 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 560 |
| 1990s | 503 |
| 2000s | 221 |
| 2010s | 175 |
| 2020s | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Sable first appeared on U.S. records in 1923, likely inspired by the animal's valuable black fur or the heraldic color term. It reached its peak rank of 2,691 in 2025, with an estimated 1 in 25,114 births that year. The name enjoyed its highest usage in the 1980s, peaking in 1986, and has been climbing again since 2010. Geographically, it is most common in Florida and Texas. Sable fits the modern taste for sleek, one-syllable nature names ending in a consonant, though it remains rare enough to feel distinctive. Its trajectory suggests it may continue to gain ground among parents seeking a short, cool name with a touch of darkness.
Sable originates from the Middle English sable, via Old French from the Slavic word for the animal (e.g., Russian sobol). The name came into use as a given name in the early 20th century, likely drawn from the fur trade or the heraldic color. It gained modest popularity in the 1980s and has seen a recent rise in use since 2010.
Where Sable is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Saby, Sabs, Bell
Sibling names for Sable
Names that share Sable's style, for a brother or sister.
