Rising since 1987, #2,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Sima since 1920
Babies named Sima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 11 |
| 1930s | 6 |
| 1940s | 36 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 96 |
| 1970s | 177 |
| 1980s | 234 |
| 1990s | 259 |
| 2000s | 385 |
| 2010s | 491 |
| 2020s | 351 |
Meaning & origin
Sima is a name with dual roots in Persian and Hebrew cultures, meaning "treasure" and "joy" respectively. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1920 and has been steadily rising in popularity since 1987. It reached its peak rank in 2024 (rank 2,645) and as of 2025, about 1 in 24,727 baby girls receive the name. The name is most common in New York and New Jersey. Its gentle sound and cross-cultural appeal make it a distinctive choice that honors heritage without being overly common.
Sima is a name with two major origins. In Persian, it means "treasure" or "precious," and is used across Iran and the Persian diaspora. In Hebrew, Sima is a diminutive of Shimon (Simon) or a variant of Simcha, meaning "joy." The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries and has seen increased usage in the United States since the 1920s.
Where Sima is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sima” around the world
Where Sima lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Sima
Names that share Sima's style, for a brother or sister.
