Boy · 631st of 23,106
Saint
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
6,159
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2024
Peak Popularity Year
1,228
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Saint stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name 'Saint' originates from the Latin 'sanctus', meaning 'holy'. It has evolved through several linguistic forms, maintaining its connection to holiness. The term is associated with individuals recognized for their virtuous lives, especially within Christianity. There is no direct biblical origin for the name, but it has a deep cultural significance in religious contexts. The modern perception of 'saint' encompasses both its traditional religious meaning and a broader use to signify goodness.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/seɪnt/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The word 'saint' derives from the Latin 'sanctus', meaning 'holy' or 'sacred'. Over time, it evolved through Old French 'sant', which also means 'holy'.
Meaning
holy, sacred
Language Evolution
Sanctus (Latin), Sanc (Old French), Saint (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The term gained popularity in the Christian context during the early centuries of the church, particularly as a designation for individuals recognized for their holiness or virtue.
Variants & Derivatives
Saints, Sanctified, Sainte
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, 'saint' is often used informally to describe someone who is exceptionally kind or good-natured. It retains a strong religious connotation in Christian contexts.
Famous People
Saint Augustine, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Avila
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,228 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 41 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2431st of 7545 | 181 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3013th of 6773 | 116 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3577th of 7552 | 95 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6142nd of 10718 | 40 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7997th of 16616 | 58 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5587th of 24088 | 222 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 631st of 23106 | 5,265 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6846th of 9107 | 18 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9333rd of 30306 | 132 |