A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sal since 1909
Babies named Sal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 8 |
| 1910s | 158 |
| 1920s | 274 |
| 1930s | 405 |
| 1940s | 529 |
| 1950s | 531 |
| 1960s | 759 |
| 1970s | 328 |
| 1980s | 203 |
| 1990s | 211 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 65 |
| 2020s | 69 |
Meaning & origin
Sal is a short, punchy name that has been in use in the United States since at least 1909. It reached its peak popularity in 1958, when it ranked 6,446th overall and was given to roughly 1 in 131,390 newborn boys that year. After a long period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2012, suggesting a revival of interest in mid-century nicknames. Its spelling is simple and pronunciation straightforward, making it an easy cross-cultural choice. While historically tied to Italian and Spanish heritage, Sal functions equally well as a modern standalone name. Its absence from top state lists indicates even distribution across the country, without strong regional biases.
Sal is most commonly a short form of Salvatore (Italian) or Salvador (Spanish), both derived from the Late Latin word 'salvator', meaning 'savior'. The name entered English usage primarily through Italian and Spanish immigrants in the 20th century. As a standalone nickname, it gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s, often associated with the entertainer Sal Mineo.
Sibling names for Sal
Names that share Sal's style, for a brother or sister.
