Savannah is a girl's name of Native American origin, specifically from the Creek tribe. It means "flat tropical plain" or "treeless plain," referring to the vast grasslands found in regions like Florida and Georgia. The name Savannah gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century, likely due to its exotic sound and association with the natural beauty of the American South.
The earliest recorded use of the name Savannah is believed to be by John and William Bartram, two American botanists who explored the Southeast in the mid-18th century. They encountered a large expanse of flat, treeless land near present-day Savannah, Georgia, which they named "Savanna." The name was later adopted as the city's official moniker when it was founded in 1733.
Despite its Native American origins and early use in North America, Savannah did not become a popular given name until much later. In fact, it was relatively uncommon throughout most of the 20th century. However, beginning in the late 1980s, Savannah's popularity as a baby girl name started to rise significantly. By the mid-1990s, it had entered the top 100 names for girls in the United States and continued to climb in popularity throughout the following decades.
Today, Savannah remains a popular choice among parents looking for unique yet meaningful names for their daughters. Its exotic sound, beautiful meaning, and rich historical context continue to attract those who wish to bestow upon their child a name with deep roots and genuine significance.
The name Savannah has a fascinating history of popularity and trendiness in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 1923, the number of births with the name Savannah ranged from a low of 17 to a high of 88 per year. The most popular years for the name during this period were 1917 and 1924, with 83 and 88 births respectively.
However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that Savannah started to gain significant traction as a popular baby girl's name. In 1979, there were 40 births registered as Savannah, marking the beginning of an upward trend in popularity for the name.
In the following decade, from 1982 onwards, Savannah's popularity skyrocketed. Between 1982 and 1990, the number of annual births with the name Savannah increased by over tenfold, from 118 to 1401 births per year. This growth reflects a widespread embrace of the name as parents sought unique yet appealing options for their newborn daughters.
The peak in popularity for the name Savannah occurred between the late 1990s and early 2000s, with over 7000 births registered each year from 1996 to 2002. During this period, Savannah was consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular baby girl's names in the United States.
In recent years, while the popularity of the name Savannah has declined somewhat from its peak, it remains a widely used and beloved choice for parents. As of 2022, there were still approximately 2739 births registered with the name Savannah in the United States. This consistency in usage over time demonstrates that Savannah is not merely a fleeting trend but rather a enduring favorite among American parents.
Overall, the statistics surrounding the name Savannah offer valuable insights into its enduring popularity and appeal to parents across different generations. Despite fluctuations in its rank and frequency of use, Savannah remains a timeless choice for baby girls, reflecting its unique blend of charm, elegance, and approachability.