Declining since 1998, #614 for girls today.
Popularity of Sierra since 1940
Babies named Sierra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 144 |
| 1950s | 54 |
| 1960s | 81 |
| 1970s | 787 |
| 1980s | 8,846 |
| 1990s | 43,638 |
| 2000s | 34,534 |
| 2010s | 9,272 |
| 2020s | 3,241 |
Meaning & origin
Sierra originated as a Spanish word for a mountain range and was first recorded as a given name in the United States in 1940. Its popularity rose through the late 20th century, reaching its peak in 1998, and has been declining since. As of 2025, it ranks 614th, with a frequency of 1 in 3,377 births. The name has been most common in western states, including South Dakota, New Mexico, and Nevada. Sierra's appeal lies in its nature-inspired meaning and melodic sound, fitting alongside other place-derived and modern feminine names. Despite its decline from the peak, it remains a recognizable and well-liked choice.
Sierra derives directly from the Spanish word for 'mountain range,' specifically a jagged or saw-toothed range. The name entered English-language use as a geographical place name (e.g., Sierra Nevada) and was adopted as a given name in the mid-20th century, becoming especially popular in the United States during the 1990s.
Where Sierra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sierra” around the world
Where Sierra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sisi, Sia, Sier
Sibling names for Sierra
Names that share Sierra's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Savannah, Maya, Aria, Valentina, Luna, Cheyenne, Cierra, Haley, Alesha, Alexus, Alondra, Asia, Brisa, Dakotah, Dasia, Jazmine, Jazmyn, Jersey, Keyara, Makenna, Malaysia, Montana, Savanah, Shyann, Siara, Stormy, Tianna, Tierra, Valencia, Alaska, Amberlyn, Arizona, Breona, Brieanna, Brionna, Britain, Cherokee, China, Chyenne, Delani, Denali, Dezirae, Indiana, Jamaica, Jazzmine, Josslyn, Kansas, Keiana, Kyana, Lakota, Laramie, Mekayla, Nevada, Porsche, Samaria, Sedona, Sequoia, Shasta, Shawnee, Sheyenne, Sinai, Sonora, Symone, Tequila, Tiarra, Tiera, Tionna, Tyanna, Tytiana, Zamora, Acadia, Analyse, Brihanna, Bryonna, Burma, Cheyene, Chrysta, Chyann, Cieara, Dalynn, Darrielle, Dierra, Etna, Jasmaine, Jazmen, Kendrah, Kenyah, Malasia, Martinique, Mesa, Montanna, Nigeria, Oceanna, Safari, Sequoya, Shada, Shalaya, Shanai, Shaylene, Syria, Tameria, Tammra, Tanzania, Tearra, Teirra, Tenaya, Tequilla, Topanga, Triana, Xandria, Aireal, Aliscia, Brihana, Caitlynne, California, Camira, Carlesha, Chayna, Chenell, Cheynne, Ciearra, Dearia, Enjoli, Havannah, Jassmin, Juneau, Kailene, Kailynne, Kanaya, Kataleah, Katerra, Kayana, Keiarra, Kenosha, Keyarra, Korea, Kyerra, Manila, Merica, Mirissa, Mishayla, Nautica, Quintana, Reannon, Shakiera, Shakyla, Shanara, Shenandoah, Shiana, Sieanna, Sonoma, Stormee, Sundee, Tamber, Terea, Tiaira, Timera, Tristine, Tyrianna, Yakima, Zaraya, Airika, Cambrea, Cheyane, Jazmaine, Lakea, Mekia, Rhealynn, Samarie, Tacora, Tulsa, Adaleyza, Adreona, Alantis, Allahna, Amerika, Areal, Arvada, Aundreya, Branna, Britania, Cerra, Cerria, Chaley, Cierria, Cova, Dacotah, Daionna, Deamber, Deia, Demara, Denaly, Dezaree, Eleisha, Jalyne, Jamacia, Jaszmine, Jesseka, Jhane, Jinelle, Kariel, Kasarah, Kiondra, Krystol, Kyandra, Lauralei, Malibu, Manilla, Mercadez, Miriya, Monseratt, Nashali, Navada, Nikelle, Nikyla, Palestine, Quiera, Quierra, Russia, Sabrea, Sabrie, Seattle, Serria, Shatarra, Shavanna, Shellsea, Skyanne, Somalia, Tamerra, Tameya, Tearia, Teiara, Tierrah, Topeka, Tyaira, Tyera, Tyerra, Zierra
Brothers: Mason, Logan, Carter, Ethan, Diego, Austin, Colton, Dakota, Canyon, Chevy, Cortez, Damion, Dekota, Kashmir, Kevon, Ridge, Santana, Che, Dakoda, Damarius, Derian, Everest, Jamaine, Jevon, Kenai, Markell, Marquel, Oakland, Stoney, Summit, Tremaine, Allante, Cuba, Dacota, Damontae, Dantrell, Deleon, Devone, Dinero, Jairon, Jerico, Jermon, Jervon, Jeyson, Kashmere, Kenyan, Keshun, Kierre, Larenz, Montreal, Ontario, Quantrell, Roddrick, Shady, Taiwan, Termaine, Texas, Travell, Trumaine, Tyrelle, Vegas, Brazos, Delorean, Derico, Jamicheal, Jaree, Kiowa, Kyel, Markeis, Marqui, Marshon, Martese, Montrey, Nekoda, Shadoe, Solan, Tacoma, Trendon, Trevaughn, Trevonn, Tyee, Yuma, Bronco, Dakodah, Denario, Frisco, Indio, Jahred, Joshawn, Jovaun, Kendryck, Kodiak, Labrian, Monterrio, Navarre, Navarro, Quamere, Rayjon, Sedale, Smokey, Taino, Terel, Trevino, Trevontae, Tyrail, Ukiah
Names like Sierra
Names whose popularity has moved with Sierra's over the last 50 years.
