Rising since 2004, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Sava since 2000
Babies named Sava per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 59 |
| 2010s | 87 |
| 2020s | 66 |
Meaning & origin
Sava is a rare but slowly rising name in the United States, largely of Slavic origin. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2000 and has been gaining steady traction since 2004, reaching a peak in 2022. By 2025, it ranked 8,910th nationally, with only about 1 in 213,510 newborn boys receiving the name. Its meaning remains somewhat uncertain, though it is often interpreted as a short form of Slavic names containing "svet" (light) or as a nickname for "owl" in Serbian. The name has not yet appeared in any top state lists, suggesting it is spread thinly across the country. Sava's appeal may lie in its simplicity, international flair, and connection to Balkan heritage.
Sava is primarily a Slavic name, likely a diminutive or short form of names containing the element "svet" (meaning "light"), such as Svetlana or Svetozar. Alternatively, it may derive from the Serbian word "sava" meaning "owl." The name has been used in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia, often as a masculine given name. It gained some popularity in the United States after 2000, possibly due to immigration or cultural exposure.
Sibling names for Sava
Names that share Sava's style, for a brother or sister.
