Holding steady.
Popularity of Sister since 1883
Babies named Sister per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1914, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sister's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 31 |
| 1890s | 104 |
| 1900s | 115 |
| 1910s | 160 |
| 1920s | 57 |
| 1930s | 55 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Sister is an uncommon English word name that historically saw modest use in the late 19th century, with its peak year recorded as 1891. Although it has never ranked among the top 1000 names, its usage has remained stable over time, reflecting its status as a familial term rather than a conventional given name. The name's one-in-N ratio is unavailable due to low frequency, and no top states have recorded notable occurrences. As a term of endearment, Sister carries a warm, affectionate quality for those seeking a meaningful or religiously inspired name, but it remains outside mainstream naming trends.
Sister is directly derived from the Old English 'sweostor', meaning a female sibling. Its use as a personal name is rare and unconventional, typically appearing in religious orders (e.g., Sister Mary) or as a nickname rather than a formal given name. Historical records from the U.S. Social Security Administration show sporadic use as a first name in the late 19th century, likely due to its affectionate or familial appeal.
Sibling names for Sister
Names that share Sister's style, for a brother or sister.
