Holding steady.
Popularity of Sequoya since 1978
Babies named Sequoya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 20 |
| 1980s | 105 |
| 1990s | 220 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 20 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Sequoya is a rare but culturally significant name, a variant of Sequoyah, honoring the Cherokee hero who created the Cherokee syllabary. The name first entered U.S. birth records in 1978, and its peak year of usage was in 1991, though it never achieved high rank, indicating fewer than five annual births in most years. As of 2025, the name's trajectory is stable, reflecting its consistent but niche use among families seeking a meaningful Native American name. The name's association with the giant sequoia tree, due to spelling similarity, also gives it a natural, earthy connotation.
Sequoya is a variant of Sequoyah, the name of the renowned Cherokee silversmith and linguist who created the Cherokee syllabary in the early 19th century. The name itself is believed to be derived from the Cherokee word for 'sparrow' or possibly from a Cherokee phrase meaning 'he carries a burden.' As a given name, Sequoya emerged in the 20th century, particularly after the 1930s, and has been used for both boys and girls, often as a tribute to Native American heritage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sequoia, Koya, Quoy
Sibling names for Sequoya
Names that share Sequoya's style, for a brother or sister.
