Rising since 1985, #1,981 for girls today.
Popularity of Sequoia since 1958
Babies named Sequoia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 106 | 18 |
| 1980s | 468 | 15 |
| 1990s | 960 | 79 |
| 2000s | 1,163 | 148 |
| 2010s | 732 | 133 |
| 2020s | 507 | 98 |
Meaning & origin
Sequoia entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1958, with use increasing gradually. Its peak popularity came in 2002, when the name ranked higher than in any other year. Since 1985, its trajectory has been steadily rising, reflecting a broader trend toward nature-inspired names. Though still rare, it is most popular in Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Sequoia is primarily used for girls, but has also been given to boys. The name's connection to the ancient giant trees and the Cherokee scholar gives it a sense of natural grandeur and cultural significance.
Sequoia likely derives from Sequoyah (also spelled Sikwayi), the name of the Cherokee scholar who created the Cherokee syllabary in the early 19th century. The name was later applied to the giant sequoia trees of California, which were named in his honor. As a given name, Sequoia has been used in the United States since the mid-20th century, reflecting a fashion for nature and Native American inspired names.
Where Sequoia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Sequoia
Names that share Sequoia's style, for a brother or sister.
