Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Savannah
GirlEnglish, Spanish· “treeless grassland”
- Meaning
- treeless grassland
- Origin
- English, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- suh-VAN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #135
- US babies 2025
- 2,141
- Best rank
- #30 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Savannah
Savannah is an English and Spanish name that means “treeless grassland”.
Savannah comes from the English word for a tropical grassland, borrowed from Spanish sabana, which in turn came from a Taino word used in the Caribbean. The city of Savannah, Georgia, founded in the eighteenth century, gives the name a strong Southern association as well. As a given name it grew in the United States during the late twentieth century, admired for its open, flowing sound. It evokes wide landscapes and warm weather. Savanna is an alternative spelling, and Anna and Vannah are possible nicknames. It suits a family that likes nature and place names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Savanna.
Popularity over time
Savannah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 90 different years. Its best national rank was #30 in 2006, and the most babies received it in 2000, when 7,100 were named Savannah. In 2025, 2,141 babies were named Savannah, and it ranked #135 nationally. That is 61% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #773 in 1920, #1,392 in 1950, #2,210 in 1980, #37 in 2000, #44 in 2010, and #135 in 2025. Of the 191,514 US girls named Savannah since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 51,869 babies. Since 2010, 69,351 more have been named Savannah.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Mackenzie, Kaitlyn, Julia, Haley, and Caroline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Savannah ranked highest in Connecticut, North Carolina, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #78 | 33 |
| North Carolina | #80 | 115 |
| Delaware | #81 | 10 |
| New Jersey | #82 | 89 |
| Maryland | #83 | 49 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Savannah is usually pronounced suh-VAN-uh, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with S and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Savanna.
Middle names for Savannah
A few middle names that flow with Savannah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Savannah
Similar names
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suh-VA-nuh
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Lists that include Savannah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Savannah mean?
Savannah is an English and Spanish name that means “treeless grassland”.
What is the origin of the name Savannah?
Savannah has English and Spanish roots. Savannah comes from the English word for a tropical grassland, borrowed from Spanish sabana, which in turn came from a Taino word used in the Caribbean.
Is Savannah a popular name?
Yes. Savannah ranked #135 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Savannah a boy or girl name?
Savannah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Savannah?
Savannah is usually pronounced suh-VAN-uh. 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