Declining since 1993, #754 for boys today.
Popularity of Salvador since 1888
Babies named Salvador per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 17 |
| 1900s | 127 |
| 1910s | 875 |
| 1920s | 2,627 |
| 1930s | 2,030 |
| 1940s | 2,514 |
| 1950s | 3,236 |
| 1960s | 3,216 |
| 1970s | 5,164 |
| 1980s | 6,652 |
| 1990s | 8,608 |
| 2000s | 7,872 |
| 2010s | 4,486 |
| 2020s | 2,176 |
Meaning & origin
Salvador is a Spanish and Portuguese name meaning 'savior,' with deep roots in Christian tradition. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1888 and reached its peak popularity in 1994. Since then, its usage has been declining gradually, a pattern reflected in its current rank of 754 in 2025. The name remains most common in states with large Hispanic populations, including Oregon, California, and Illinois. With a 1-in-5,009 occurrence rate, Salvador retains a strong cultural presence despite its slowing trajectory.
Salvador derives from the Latin name Salvator, meaning 'savior.' It has strong religious connotations, referring to Jesus Christ as the Savior. The name has been used in Spanish and Portuguese cultures for centuries, often given to boys born on feast days or as a devotional name. Its popularity in the United States reflects waves of immigration from Spanish-speaking countries.
Where Salvador is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Salvador” around the world
Where Salvador 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: Sal, Salva, Sally, Vador
Variants: Salvatore (Italian), Salvadore, Salvadori
Sibling names for Salvador
Names that share Salvador's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Isabella, Carmen, Lucia, Rosa, Elena, Maricela, Milagros, Rosario, Caridad, Milagro, Rosalva, Soledad, Esperansa, Nazaria, Paz, Briceida, Thereasa, Delorese, Erendida, Felicidad, Obdulia, Preciosa, Providencia, Remedios
Brothers: Diego, Mateo, Javier, Antonio, Luis, Alberto, Librado, Merced, Placido, Sotero, Bienvenido, Bulmaro, Perfecto, Saviour
Names like Salvador
Names whose popularity has moved with Salvador's over the last 50 years.
