Declining since 1985, #1,150 for girls today.
Popularity of Sally since 1880
Babies named Sally per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1947, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sally's real moment was 1938.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,010 |
| 1890s | 1,668 |
| 1900s | 3,294 |
| 1910s | 9,301 |
| 1920s | 13,472 |
| 1930s | 34,680 |
| 1940s | 45,344 |
| 1950s | 46,706 |
| 1960s | 24,344 |
| 1970s | 9,275 |
| 1980s | 6,127 |
| 1990s | 4,166 |
| 2000s | 2,582 |
| 2010s | 2,095 |
| 2020s | 1,165 |
Meaning & origin
Sally was a staple of American baby names throughout the early to mid-20th century, peaking in popularity in 1938 when it was a top-tier choice. Since 1985, however, its usage has steadily declined, dropping to rank 1150 in 2025. In its peak decade, the 1930s, Sally was a beloved name in states like Oklahoma, Massachusetts, and Alabama. The name's 1-in-7,996 frequency today reflects its shift from a classic favorite to a rarer, vintage gem. Sally's simple, cheerful sound and its connection to the enduring name Sarah give it a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Sally originated as a pet form of Sarah, which derives from the Hebrew name Sarai, meaning 'princess' or 'noblewoman.' It became an independent given name in the 18th century, particularly in England and America, and was widely used through the mid-20th century.
Where Sally is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sally” around the world
Where Sally lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
18
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sal
Variants: Sallie
Sibling names for Sally
Names that share Sally's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lucy, Emma, Grace, Molly, Betty, Bobbi, Connie, Ginger, Judy, Patsy, Patty, Peggy, Bess, Betsy, Cathie, Dolly, Dottie, Jonnie, Judi, Judie, Peggie, Tandy, Dorie, Genny, Lannie, Nancee, Nancie, Pollie, Suzi, Suzy, Bettyjo, Billee, Bobbe, Bobie, Bonney, Doll, Eydie, Ginnie, Jeani, Jinny, Midge, Patsie, Peg, Peggi, Samie, Babs, Boni, Dally, Danney, Dody, Ginni, Lolly, Margi, Missie, Molley, Pammy, Pattye, Pegge, Peggye, Pennye, Taffy, Marji, Pasty, Patsye, Pegi, Pollyann, Salle, Schelly
Brothers: Tommy, Billy, Jimmy, Bobby, Johnny, Bart, Butch, Denny, Lanny, Mickey, Geary, Jeb, Skip, Tex, Wally, Willy, Budd, Dicky, Herbie, Tollie, Tomy, Boby, Crockett, Cully, Kippy, Jimy
Names like Sally
Names whose popularity has moved with Sally's over the last 50 years.
