Declining since 2005, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Sian since 1962
Babies named Sian per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sian's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 73 | 0 |
| 1970s | 127 | 0 |
| 1980s | 99 | 0 |
| 1990s | 144 | 12 |
| 2000s | 250 | 27 |
| 2010s | 112 | 48 |
| 2020s | 53 | 85 |
Meaning & origin
Sian, the Welsh form of Jane, has a relatively modern history in the United States, first appearing in Social Security records in 1962. Its popularity peaked in 1974, and since 2005 it has been on a downward trajectory, but it retains a distinctive cultural identity. The name is most common in states with strong Welsh heritage, though top states are not recorded due to its rarity. While Sian is pronounced 'shahn' (similar to the Irish Siobhán), it is distinct in spelling and origin. With a current rank of #14,942 and an incidence of 1 in 321,453 babies in 2025, Sian remains a unique choice with deep Welsh roots.
Sian is the Welsh form of Jane, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious'. It has been used in Wales since the late 19th century, gaining popularity particularly in the mid-20th century. The name is typically pronounced 'shahn' and often spelled with a circumflex on the 'a' (Siân) to indicate the long vowel sound.
“Sian” around the world
Where Sian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Si, Siana
Variants: Siân, Siôn, Shan
Sibling names for Sian
Names that share Sian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eira, Bryn, Cerys, Lowri, Nia, Bronwyn, Brynne, Carys, Gwen, Gwenn, Rhian, Tegan, Anwen, Cyanne, Dai, Deryn, Gwynneth, Menna, Rhianne, Aneira, Rhiannan
Brothers: Ioan, Rhys, Dylan, Gareth, Owain, Aeron, Bevan, Bren, Dylon, Glyn, Glynn, Howell, Llewyn, Owyn, Powell, Reece, Rees, Trevor, Trystan, Wynn, Alwyn, Bard, Calan, Madoc, Pryce, Trevar, Wyn, Cambren, Garan, Lloyde, Morgon, Schon
