Declining since 2002, #2,258 for boys today.
Popularity of Sahil since 1982
Babies named Sahil per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 87 |
| 1990s | 674 |
| 2000s | 1,260 |
| 2010s | 764 |
| 2020s | 375 |
Meaning & origin
Sahil first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1982, and its popularity grew steadily through the 1990s, peaking in 2001. Since 2002, its usage has been on a gradual decline, though it remains a familiar choice within South Asian American communities. The name is most common in California and Texas, states with large South Asian populations. With a current rank of 2258 (2025), Sahil illustrates the demographic shifts that introduced new naming traditions to the American mainstream.
Sahil derives from Arabic سَاهِل (sāhil), meaning 'coast' or 'shore,' but in South Asian usage it is often associated with the similar-sounding Arabic سَهْل (sahl, 'easy') or the Persian ساحل (sāhel, 'guide'). The name gained popularity among Muslim families in India and Pakistan, and later among diaspora communities in the West. Its adoption in the United States began in the 1980s, reflecting increased immigration from South Asia.
Where Sahil is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sahil” around the world
Where Sahil lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sah, Silly
Variants: Sahel, Sahiel
Sibling names for Sahil
Names that share Sahil's style, for a brother or sister.
