Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Saoirse
GirlIrish· “freedom”
- Meaning
- freedom
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- SEER-shuh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,089
- US babies 2025
- 222
- Best rank
- #735 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Saoirse
Saoirse is an Irish name that means “freedom”.
Saoirse is an Irish word meaning freedom or liberty, and it came into use as a given name in the twentieth century. The name reflects the revival of the Irish language and culture during that period. It is best known internationally through actress Saoirse Ronan. Saoirse is usually pronounced SEER-shuh, though some say SUR-shuh. It feels spirited, strong and deeply Irish. The name suits families who want a meaningful name with clear Irish heritage. Seer is a possible nickname.
Popularity over time
Saoirse first appears in US Social Security records in 1993. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 8 different years, starting in 2016. Its best national rank was #735 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 373 babies. In 2025, 222 babies were named Saoirse, and it ranked #1,089 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #5,284 in 2000, #2,560 in 2010, and #1,089 in 2025. Of the 4,068 US girls named Saoirse since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,768 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jianna, Ainhoa, Aila, Bexley, and Avalynn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Saoirse ranked highest in Massachusetts, Oregon, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #442 | 13 |
| Oregon | #539 | 7 |
| Utah | #693 | 6 |
| Colorado | #695 | 8 |
| Wisconsin | #773 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Saoirse is usually pronounced SEER-shuh, with one syllable. It has seven letters, starts with S and ends in “-se”.
Middle names for Saoirse
A few middle names that flow with Saoirse: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Saoirse
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Lists that include Saoirse
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Saoirse mean?
Saoirse is an Irish name that means “freedom”.
What is the origin of the name Saoirse?
Saoirse has Irish roots. Saoirse is an Irish word meaning freedom or liberty, and it came into use as a given name in the twentieth century.
Is Saoirse a popular name?
Not especially. Saoirse ranked #1,089 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Saoirse a boy or girl name?
Saoirse is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Saoirse?
Saoirse is usually pronounced SEER-shuh. 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