Girl · 68th of 9,204
Sally
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
205,673
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1947
Peak Popularity Year
5,279
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Sally 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
Sally is a name with Hebrew origins, derived from 'Sarah' meaning 'princess.' It has evolved through various forms in the English language and is associated with traits of friendliness and approachability. Its biblical relevance is linked to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and it gained popularity in the 17th century. Notable figures such as Sally Ride and Sally Field contribute to its recognition.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈsæli/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Sally is derived from the Hebrew name 'Sarah,' which means 'princess' or 'noblewoman.' It became popular as a diminutive or pet form of Sarah.
Meaning
princess, noblewoman
Language Evolution
Sarah (Hebrew), Sarai (Hebrew), Sally (English)
Biblical Background
Sally has biblical relevance through its connection to Sarah, the wife of Abraham in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical Usage
The name Sally gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 17th century as a common diminutive of Sarah and became a standalone name in the 18th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Sarah, Sallie, Sal
Modern Popularity & Image
Sally is perceived as a friendly and approachable name. It has a classic charm yet remains relatively timeless.
Famous People
Sally Ride - the first American woman in space, Sally Field - an acclaimed actress, Sally Hemings - an important historical figure in American history
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
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 5,279 peak births in 1947
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Vermont
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3543rd of 7545 | 84 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1872nd of 6773 | 275 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2547th of 7552 | 196 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5057th of 10718 | 65 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10692nd of 16616 | 27 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 179th of 9107 | 21,677 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 68th of 9204 | 64,234 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 101st of 12526 | 82,442 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 247th of 19264 | 18,516 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 451st of 27321 | 8,561 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 935th of 35406 | 4,208 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1208th of 30306 | 2,423 |