Declining since 2008, #2,368 for girls today.
Popularity of Sayuri since 1979
Babies named Sayuri per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 20 |
| 1990s | 78 |
| 2000s | 460 |
| 2010s | 582 |
| 2020s | 279 |
Meaning & origin
Sayuri is a Japanese name that entered the U.S. baby name scene in 1979. Its usage peaked in 2007, likely influenced by the 2005 film 'Memoirs of a Geisha'. Since 2008, its popularity has been falling. In 2025, it ranked #2368, with 1 in 21,148 girls given the name. The name is most frequently found in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. While not common, Sayuri carries a delicate, nature-inspired meaning that appeals to parents seeking a name with Japanese heritage and a lyrical sound.
Sayuri is a Japanese name composed of two elements: 小 (sa) meaning 'small' or 'little' and 百合 (yuri) meaning 'lily'. The name can also be written with other kanji combinations, such as 沙 'sand' + 百合, or 佐 'help' + 百合, but the 'small lily' reading is the most common. It has been used in Japan for centuries, though it gained some international recognition after being featured in the novel and film 'Memoirs of a Geisha' (1997/2005), where the protagonist Chiyo later adopts the name Sayuri.
Where Sayuri is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sayu, Yuri, Saya
Variants: Saiuri, Sayury
Sibling names for Sayuri
Names that share Sayuri's style, for a brother or sister.
