Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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Salvador
BoySpanish, Latin· “savior”
- Meaning
- savior
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- SAL-vuh-dor
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #756
- US babies 2025
- 341
- Best rank
- #289 (1990)
- Peak year
- 1992
Meaning and origin of Salvador
Salvador is a Spanish and Latin name that means “savior”.
Salvador is the Spanish and Portuguese word for savior, from the Latin salvator. It is a traditional name in Catholic families, used in reference to Jesus as savior of the world. The country of El Salvador and the Brazilian city of Salvador carry the same name. The surrealist painter Salvador Dali is one of its most famous bearers. In the United States the name is used in Latino families and has a strong, dignified sound. Salva and Chava are traditional nicknames, and Salvatore is the Italian form.
Popularity over time
Salvador first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 125 different years, starting in 1900. Its best national rank was #289 in 1990, and the most babies received it in 1992, when 922 were named Salvador. In 2025, 341 babies were named Salvador, and it ranked #756 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #417 in 1920, #369 in 1950, #303 in 1980, #330 in 2000, #458 in 2010, and #756 in 2025. Of the 49,605 US boys named Salvador since records began, 17% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 7,872 babies. Since 2010, 6,662 more have been named Salvador.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zachariah, Denzel, Demetrius, Desmond, and Alfredo.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Salvador ranked highest in Oregon, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | #394 | 10 |
| California | #395 | 84 |
| Texas | #468 | 72 |
| Illinois | #482 | 22 |
| Arizona | #524 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Salvador is usually pronounced SAL-vuh-dor, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with S and ends in “-or”.
Middle names for Salvador
A few middle names that flow with Salvador: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Salvador
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Lists that include Salvador
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salvador mean?
Salvador is a Spanish and Latin name that means “savior”.
What is the origin of the name Salvador?
Salvador has Spanish and Latin roots. Salvador is the Spanish and Portuguese word for savior, from the Latin salvator.
Is Salvador a popular name?
Yes. Salvador ranked #756 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Salvador a boy or girl name?
Salvador is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Salvador?
Salvador is usually pronounced SAL-vuh-dor. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings