Close Menu
    General/Mixed Names

    500+ Best Names Starting with S: Boys & Girls Top List

    Šinko JuricaBy 14 Mins Read
    500+ Names that start with S for Boys & Girls (2025) with Meanings & Style

    You know that cold sweat you get at 3 AM? The one where you realize you are responsible for naming a human being who will likely live into the 22nd century? I’ve been there. My wife was seven months pregnant, waddling around our kitchen, and we were at war. Not a real war, but a “naming war.” She wanted something flowery.

    I wanted something that sounded like a starting quarterback. We had books everywhere. We had browser tabs open on every device. Nothing clicked. Then we hit the letter S. It was the truce we needed. S names have this weird ability to be soft and hard at the same time. They snake through the alphabet with a kind of confidence other letters just don’t have.

    If you are scouring the internet for the Best Names Starting with S, pull up a chair. I’m not just going to throw a database at you. I’m going to walk you through the trenches of naming a kid in modern America. We’ll look at names that will get your kid hired, names that sound cool on a playground, and names that might get vetoed by your mother-in-law (and why you should pick them anyway).

    Also Read: Best Girl Names That Start With A and Wizard Names with Meanings

    Key Takeaways

    • The Sweet Spot: S names sit perfectly between “too weird” and “too boring.” You get gems like Silas and Stella that feel fresh yet established.
    • Gender Benders: This letter owns the unisex category. Sawyer, Sage, Sutton—they work for anyone.
    • The “Hiss” Factor: We’ll talk about avoiding the dreaded snake sound if your last name also starts with S.
    • Pop Culture Clout: From Stranger Things to Yellowstone, S names are dominating TV screens right now.
    • The Big List: I’ve got over 500 options down below, so you won’t leave empty-handed.

    Why are we all so obsessed with S names?

    Seriously, say the name “Sebastian.” Now say “Bob.” See the difference? Linguists talk about sibilance—that hissing or hushing sound—but regular parents just know it sounds smooth. It glides. When my buddy Mike named his daughter Sloane, I remember thinking it sounded expensive. Like she already owned a yacht. That is the power of S.

    It grabs your attention without shouting. You get the melodic flow of a vowel name (like Olivia) but the solid anchor of a consonant. Plus, let’s be honest: S signatures look cool. That big loop at the beginning? It has flair.

    Which boy names are actually dominating the playground?

    Naming boys is brutal. You want a name that sounds cute when he’s three but commands respect when he’s thirty. I remember vetoing “Star” because I couldn’t picture a Supreme Court Justice named Star. But the landscape has changed. The heavy hitters right now balance grit and class.

    Sebastian This guy is the king right now. It used to be a niche name, maybe a bit fancy. Now? It’s everywhere. But it deserves the hype. It has history, it has the nickname “Seb,” and it sounds worldly.

    Silas I fought hard for this one. It means “forest.” It sounds like a guy who builds his own furniture and drinks craft coffee. It’s hipster gold, but it hasn’t lost its biblical roots.

    Sawyer Twain made it mischievous. Modern parents made it cool. It feels adventurous, like a kid with a slingshot in his back pocket.

    Santiago This name has rhythm. It bounces. It has crossed over from being strictly a Hispanic staple to a broad American favorite because it just sounds energetic.

    Stetson Okay, this is for the dads who want a cowboy vibe. It’s bold. It says “I might ride a horse to school.”

    The Top 50 Boys List (S-Edition)

    1. Sebastian – Venerable and revered.
    2. Samuel – God has heard (The ultimate reliable guy name).
    3. Santiago – Saint James.
    4. Silas – Of the forest.
    5. Sawyer – Woodcutter.
    6. Simon – The listener.
    7. Steven – Crown or wreath.
    8. Spencer – Steward or administrator.
    9. Seth – Appointed.
    10. Shane – God is gracious.
    11. Sean – Irish variation of John.
    12. Stephen – Classic spelling of Steven.
    13. Sterling – Of high quality; pure (Like the silver).
    14. Sullivan – Dark eyes.
    15. Solomon – Peace.
    16. Sonny – Son.
    17. Santino – Little saint.
    18. Soren – Stern.
    19. Samson – Sun.
    20. Stefan – Crown.
    21. Scott – From Scotland.
    22. Shepherd – Sheep herder.
    23. Stetson – A boxer or fighter.
    24. Sylas – Variation of Silas.
    25. Salvatore – Savior.
    26. Sergio – Servant.
    27. Seven – Numerical name.
    28. Saint – Holy.
    29. Saul – Prayed for.
    30. Sutton – Southern homestead.
    31. Skyler – Scholar.
    32. Shiloh – Tranquil.
    33. Stone – Dweller by the rocks.
    34. Slade – Valley.
    35. Smith – Blacksmith.
    36. Sia – Moving.
    37. Simeon – God is listening.
    38. Sagan – Wise one.
    39. Sayer – Woodworker.
    40. Styles – Steep hill.
    41. Sidney – Wide island.
    42. Samir – Jovial companion.
    43. Soroush – Happiness.
    44. Sami – Elevated.
    45. Safwan – Rock.
    46. Sanjay – Triumphant.
    47. Saxon – People of the dagger.
    48. Severin – Stern.
    49. Stockton – Tree stump settlement.
    50. Summit – Peak.

    Are girls’ S names stuck in the Sophia era?

    For a while, you couldn’t throw a rock without hitting a Sophia. It was the Jennifer of the 2010s. But the S category for girls is way deeper than that. My wife loved “Stella.” I loved “Scarlett.” We compromised on something else entirely, but the argument proved how many distinct “vibes” S offers for girls.

    Scarlett It’s red. It’s fiery. It’s Gone with the Wind but without the baggage. It has an attitude that names like “Emily” just don’t have.

    Stella “Stella!” You have to yell it like Brando at least once. It means “star.” It feels vintage, like a black-and-white movie, but fits perfectly in a modern classroom.

    Sadie This used to be a nickname for Sarah. Now it’s the main event. It’s spunky. It sounds like the girl who leads the rebellion in a YA novel.

    Sloane I mentioned this earlier. It’s sleek. It’s one syllable. It means business.

    The Top 50 Girls List (S-Edition)

    1. Sophia – Wisdom.
    2. Sofia – Variation of Sophia.
    3. Scarlett – Red.
    4. Stella – Star.
    5. Savannah – Treeless plain.
    6. Sadie – Princess.
    7. Skylar – Scholar/Protection.
    8. Sophie – Wisdom.
    9. Serenity – Peaceful.
    10. Sarah – Princess.
    11. Samantha – Told by God.
    12. Summer – Season name.
    13. Sienna – Orange-red.
    14. Sloane – Raider/Warrior.
    15. Sawyer – Woodcutter.
    16. Saylor – Acrobat/Mariner.
    17. Selena – Moon.
    18. Sydney – Wide meadow.
    19. Sage – Wise/Herb.
    20. Sutton – Southern homestead.
    21. Sylvia – From the forest.
    22. Stevie – Crown.
    23. Shelby – Willow grove.
    24. Shiloh – Peace.
    25. Sierra – Mountain range.
    26. Serena – Tranquil.
    27. Sabrina – From the river Severn.
    28. Stephanie – Crown.
    29. Saige – Wise.
    30. Sarai – Princess.
    31. Skye – Island of clouds.
    32. Simone – Harkening.
    33. Selah – Praise/Pause.
    34. Sunny – Cheerful.
    35. Samara – Guardian.
    36. Sandra – Defender of men.
    37. Scarlet – Red.
    38. Scout – First explorer.
    39. Sariah – Princess of the Lord.
    40. Sevyn – Number 7.
    41. Shannon – Wise river.
    42. Shea – Admirable.
    43. Susan – Lily.
    44. Sheridan – Searcher.
    45. Soleil – Sun.
    46. Soraya – Jewel.
    47. Siena – Italian city.
    48. Sky – Nature name.
    49. Star – Celestial body.
    50. Stormi – Tempestuous.

    Can one name actually work for anyone?

    Unisex names are the Swiss Army Knives of the naming world. They work for everyone. My cousin just had a baby, didn’t know the gender, picked “Sutton.” Baby came out a girl? Sutton works. Baby came out a boy? Sutton works. It removes the stress.

    • Sage: Sounds smart and earthy.
    • Spencer: Traditionally a dude’s name, but Pretty Little Liars flipped the script. Now it’s chic for girls.
    • Scout: To Kill a Mockingbird vibes. It implies curiosity.
    • Sterling: Just sounds high-class.
    • Salem: A little goth? Maybe. But very cool.
    • Sidney: The “y” or “i” spelling usually tips the gender, but the sound is neutral.

    What if I want a name that isn’t on every keychain?

    I get it. You don’t want your kid to be one of three Sams in homeroom. You want something with grit. Something that makes people pause. You have to dig a little deeper for these.

    The “Wait, say that again?” List:

    • Saffron: It’s a spice, it’s expensive, it sounds exotic.
    • Severus: Okay, you really have to love Harry Potter for this one.
    • Sylvan: Like Silas, but woodier.
    • Solstice: Hippie vibes, but in a good way.
    • Sparrow: Gentle, small, quick.
    • Squire: Sounds like a helper, or a knight in training.
    • Saber: Sharp. Aggressive. Cool.
    • Sonnet: For the poets out there.
    • Sunday: The best day. Why not?
    • Spike: Aggressive, sure. But memorable.

    Are “Old Man” names making a comeback?

    Yes. 100%. I see toddlers named Stanley at the park all the time. It’s hilarious and awesome. We are bringing back the names of guys who fought in WWII and fixed their own cars.

    Stanley It’s clunky. It’s nerdy. And that is exactly why it’s cool again.

    Seymour This screams vintage New York City.

    Sid Sid Vicious gave it punk cred. Sid the Science Kid gave it preschool cred. It covers all bases.

    Sherman It means “shearer of woolen garments.” You can’t get more rustic than that.

    Sheldon Before the sitcoms, this was dignified. It’s ready for a refresh.

    How do you navigate the Biblical heavyweights?

    You can’t write a list of Best Names Starting with S without cracking the Bible. These names have survived thousands of years for a reason. They have weight.

    • Sarah: The OG.
    • Samuel: The prophet.
    • Simon: The rock.
    • Seth: Adam’s third son.
    • Solomon: The wise guy.
    • Samson: Muscles.
    • Shiloh: Prophetic.
    • Susanna: Strong female figure.
    • Stephen: The martyr.
    • Saul: The first king.

    These are safe bets. Your kid won’t have to spell “Samuel” for people (hopefully).

    Why not look outside for inspiration?

    I’m a big fan of nature names. If I had my way, my kids would be named River and Bear. But S has some great terrain to offer.

    • Sky / Skye: The limit.
    • Stone: Hard, unmoving.
    • Storm: Chaos, but the cool kind.
    • Sunny: Happy.
    • Star: Bright.
    • Shadow: A bit dark, but edgy.
    • Silver: Shiny.
    • Snow: Pure.
    • Slate: Strong rock.
    • Sequoia: Big tree.
    • Summer: The best season.

    The Massive 500+ Breakdown

    Okay, I promised you a mountain of names. Here is the deep dive. I broke them up so your eyes don’t cross.

    Classic & Timeless (Boys)

    1. Sam
    2. Sammy
    3. Sampson
    4. Sancho
    5. Sander
    6. Sanders
    7. Sandor
    8. Sandro
    9. Sandy
    10. Sanford
    11. Scottie
    12. Scotty
    13. Seamus (Classic Irish charm)
    14. Sebastian
    15. Seb
    16. Sedrick
    17. Serge
    18. Sergei
    19. Seth
    20. Shawn
    21. Shaun
    22. Shayne
    23. Shelby
    24. Sheldon
    25. Shelton
    26. Shepherd
    27. Sherwin
    28. Sherwood
    29. Sidney
    30. Sigurd
    31. Silas
    32. Silvan
    33. Silvano
    34. Silvester
    35. Sim
    36. Simeon
    37. Simon
    38. Simpson
    39. Sinclair
    40. Smith
    41. Sol
    42. Solomon
    43. Sonny
    44. Spencer
    45. Spike
    46. Stan
    47. Stanford
    48. Stanislas
    49. Stanley
    50. Stanton
    51. Stefan
    52. Stephan
    53. Stephen
    54. Stephon
    55. Sterling
    56. Steve
    57. Steven
    58. Stevie
    59. Stewart
    60. Stuart
    61. Sullivan
    62. Sumner
    63. Sylvester

    Classic & Timeless (Girls)

    1. Sabina
    2. Sabine
    3. Sabrina
    4. Sacha
    5. Sadie
    6. Saffron
    7. Sage
    8. Saige
    9. Sally
    10. Salma
    11. Salome
    12. Samantha
    13. Samara
    14. Samia
    15. Samira
    16. Sammie
    17. Sandra
    18. Sandy
    19. Sapphire
    20. Sara
    21. Sarah
    22. Sarai
    23. Sari
    24. Sasha
    25. Saskia
    26. Savanna
    27. Savannah
    28. Scarlet
    29. Scarlett
    30. Schuyler
    31. Scout
    32. Seana
    33. Selena
    34. Selene
    35. Selina
    36. Selma
    37. September
    38. Serena
    39. Serenity
    40. Shae
    41. Shaina
    42. Shakira
    43. Shana
    44. Shania
    45. Shanice
    46. Shanna
    47. Shannon
    48. Shari
    49. Sharon
    50. Sharona
    51. Shasta
    52. Shauna
    53. Shawn
    54. Shawna
    55. Shay
    56. Shayla
    57. Shayna
    58. Shea
    59. Sheena
    60. Sheila
    61. Shelby
    62. Shelley
    63. Shelly
    64. Sheri
    65. Sheridan
    66. Sheryl
    67. Shirley
    68. Shona
    69. Shoshana
    70. Sian
    71. Sidney
    72. Sienna
    73. Sierra
    74. Signy
    75. Sigourney
    76. Sigrid
    77. Silvia
    78. Simone
    79. Sinead
    80. Siobhan
    81. Sky
    82. Skye
    83. Skylar
    84. Skyler
    85. Sloane
    86. Sofia
    87. Sofie
    88. Solange
    89. Soledad
    90. Soleil
    91. Sonia
    92. Sonja
    93. Sonya
    94. Sophia
    95. Sophie
    96. Soraya
    97. Stacey
    98. Staci
    99. Stacie
    100. Stacy
    101. Star
    102. Starla
    103. Stefani
    104. Stefanie
    105. Stella
    106. Steph
    107. Stephanie
    108. Sue
    109. Suki
    110. Summer
    111. Sunny
    112. Susan
    113. Susana
    114. Susanna
    115. Susannah
    116. Susie
    117. Suzanne
    118. Suzette
    119. Sybil
    120. Sydney
    121. Sylvia
    122. Sylvie

    International & Exotic (A-Z Mix)

    1. Saanvi
    2. Sabien
    3. Sabir
    4. Sabra
    5. Sachi
    6. Sadira
    7. Safa
    8. Safiya
    9. Sagara
    10. Sahana
    11. Sahar
    12. Sahil
    13. Said
    14. Saif
    15. Saint
    16. Sajan
    17. Sakari
    18. Sakura
    19. Salam
    20. Saleem
    21. Salem
    22. Salil
    23. Salim
    24. Salina
    25. Salvador
    26. Salvator
    27. Samant
    28. Samar
    29. Sameer
    30. Samina
    31. Samira
    32. Samiya
    33. Sammon
    34. Samual
    35. Samurai
    36. Sana
    37. Sanaa
    38. Sanchia
    39. Sandi
    40. Sandie
    41. Sandrine
    42. Sanne
    43. Santana
    44. Santiago
    45. Santina
    46. Santino
    47. Santo
    48. Santos
    49. Sanya
    50. Sapphire
    51. Saral
    52. Sarina
    53. Sarita
    54. Sariyah
    55. Sarra
    56. Sarrina
    57. Sarwin
    58. Satchel
    59. Sati
    60. Sato
    61. Saul
    62. Savan
    63. Savion
    64. Saxon
    65. Sayuri

    Modern, Edgy & Unique

    1. Saber
    2. Sabin
    3. Gable
    4. Saddler
    5. Saffron
    6. Sagi
    7. Sailor
    8. Saint
    9. Sakina
    10. Sal
    11. Slate
    12. Slayton
    13. Sledge
    14. Sloan
    15. Sly
    16. Snow
    17. Snowden
    18. Sol
    19. Solar
    20. Soldier
    21. Solstice
    22. Son
    23. Song
    24. Sonnet
    25. Sparrow
    26. Spartan
    27. Speed
    28. Spirit
    29. Spring
    30. Spurgeon
    31. Spyder
    32. Squire
    33. St. John
    34. St. Claire
    35. Stack
    36. Stallion
    37. Stanislav
    38. Starbuck
    39. Stark
    40. Starlin
    41. Steel
    42. Steele
    43. Stein
    44. Stellan
    45. Stem
    46. Step
    47. Sterling
    48. Stetson
    49. Stevens
    50. Stockton
    51. Stokes
    52. Stone
    53. Storm
    54. Stormy
    55. Story
    56. Stratton
    57. Street
    58. Strickland
    59. Strider
    60. Strike
    61. Stringer
    62. Stryker
    63. Styles
    64. Suede
    65. Sugar
    66. Sull
    67. Sultan
    68. Summit
    69. Sun
    70. Sunday
    71. Sundance
    72. Sunset
    73. Sunshine
    74. Super
    75. Suri
    76. Sutcliffe
    77. Sutherland
    78. Sutton
    79. Swain
    80. Swan
    81. Swanhild
    82. Swayze
    83. Sweet
    84. Swift
    85. Swin
    86. Swinda
    87. Swinton
    88. Sy
    89. Syed
    90. Sykes
    91. Sylvan
    92. Sylvanus
    93. Sylvester
    94. Symon
    95. Symphony
    96. Syon
    97. Syre

    Surnames as First Names (The Preppy List)

    1. Sadler
    2. Salinger
    3. Salisbury
    4. Sampson
    5. Sanders
    6. Sanderson
    7. Sandford
    8. Sandhurst
    9. Sands
    10. Sanford
    11. Sargent
    12. Sarson
    13. Satchel
    14. Saunders
    15. Savage
    16. Saville
    17. Sawyer
    18. Saxon
    19. Sayer
    20. Sayers
    21. Scanlon
    22. Schmidt
    23. Schneider
    24. Schuyler
    25. Scott
    26. Scully
    27. Seabrook
    28. Seabury
    29. Seagram
    30. Seale
    31. Seamus
    32. Searle
    33. Sears
    34. Seaton
    35. Seaver
    36. Sebastian
    37. Sebestyen
    38. Sedgwick
    39. Seeley
    40. Sefton
    41. Seger
    42. Seibert
    43. Seinfeld
    44. Selby
    45. Selden
    46. Selig
    47. Sellers
    48. Selwyn
    49. Semple
    50. Sennett
    51. Sergeant
    52. Serrano
    53. Seton
    54. Settle
    55. Seward
    56. Sewell
    57. Sexton
    58. Seymour
    59. Shackleford
    60. Shad
    61. Shaffer
    62. Shaft
    63. Shakespeare
    64. Shamus
    65. Shand
    66. Shane
    67. Shank
    68. Shannon
    69. Sharkey
    70. Sharp
    71. Sharpe
    72. Shatner
    73. Shaw
    74. Shawn
    75. Shea
    76. Shearer
    77. Sheck
    78. Sheehan
    79. Sheffield
    80. Shelby
    81. Sheldon
    82. Shelley
    83. Shelton
    84. Shepard
    85. Shepherd
    86. Shepley
    87. Sheppard
    88. Sherard
    89. Sheridan
    90. Sherlock
    91. Sherman
    92. Sherrill
    93. Sherwin
    94. Sherwood
    95. Shields
    96. Shifflett
    97. Shiloh
    98. Shinn
    99. Shipley
    100. Shipp
    101. Shirley
    102. Shoemaker
    103. Sholes
    104. Shore
    105. Short
    106. Shriver
    107. Shroyer
    108. Shuford
    109. Shull
    110. Shultz
    111. Shumaker
    112. Shuman
    113. Shumway
    114. Shupe
    115. Shurley
    116. Shute
    117. Sibley
    118. Sickler
    119. Siddall
    120. Siddons
    121. Sidebottom
    122. Sidwell
    123. Siebert
    124. Siegel
    125. Siegfried
    126. Siemens
    127. Sierra
    128. Sievers
    129. Siewert
    130. Sigler
    131. Sigman
    132. Sikes
    133. Silber
    134. Siler
    135. Silk
    136. Sill
    137. Sills
    138. Silva
    139. Silver
    140. Silverman
    141. Silvers
    142. Silverstein
    143. Silvia
    144. Sim
    145. Simard
    146. Simcoe
    147. Simcox
    148. Simm
    149. Simmonds
    150. Simmons
    151. Simms
    152. Simon
    153. Simonds
    154. Simons
    155. Simonson
    156. Simpkins
    157. Simpson
    158. Sims
    159. Sinclair
    160. Singer
    161. Singleton
    162. Sink
    163. Sinn
    164. Sipe
    165. Sipes
    166. Sir
    167. Sisk
    168. Sisler
    169. Sisson
    170. Sites
    171. Siv
    172. Sizemore
    173. Skaggs
    174. Skelton
    175. Skerry
    176. Skidmore
    177. Skinner
    178. Skipper
    179. Slack
    180. Slade
    181. Slater
    182. Slattery
    183. Slaughter
    184. Slayton

    How do you avoid the “S-S” trap?

    Picking a name is not just about the name itself. It’s about the combination. I learned this the hard way. I loved the name Silas. My last name starts with S. When we put them together, it sounded like a leaky tire. “Silas Simpson.” It’s a mouthful of snakes.

    Always say the full name out loud. Shout it. If you sound like you are speaking parseltongue, rethink it. Some people love the alliteration (think Stan Lee characters), but it can be tough for a kid to say.

    Does Netflix pick our names for us?

    Honestly? Yes.

    • Skywalker: Influenced “Sky” and “Walker.”
    • Sansa: Game of Thrones put this on the map.
    • Sheldon: The Big Bang Theory.
    • Spencer: Pretty Little Liars.

    We hear these names in our living rooms every night. They seep into our brains. I never thought “Steve” was cool until Stranger Things redeemed him. Now? Steve is a legend.

    How do you win the name war with your partner?

    The Coffee Shop Test. This is my secret weapon. Go to Starbucks. Order a latte. Give the barista the name you want to test. When they yell out “Sterling!” across the crowded room, how do you feel? Do you shrink? Or do you perk up?

    Also, sell the nickname. Sometimes you can’t sell the whole name. My wife hated “Sullivan.” But she loved “Sully.” We put Sullivan on the birth certificate, but he’s Sully 99% of the time.

    Final thoughts on choosing the perfect S name

    Naming a kid is heavy. It’s the first gift you give them. But looking at the Best Names Starting with S, you have a massive safety net. S is versatile. It’s strong. It’s soft.

    Whether you go with Sophia or Sylvan, you are picking a name with good bones. Trust your gut. Ignore your mother-in-law (respectfully). If the name fits, you’ll know.

    For the real numbers, always check the Social Security Administration’s Baby Names website. They track the actual data, so you know exactly how popular your choice really is.

    Good luck. You’ve got this.

    FAQs

    Why are names starting with S considered appealing for parents?

    Names starting with S are considered appealing because of their melodic, smooth sound and the visual flair of the letter’s big loop, making them both soft and confident.

    Which are some popular boy names starting with S that are dominating the playground?

    Popular boy names starting with S that are dominating include Sebastian, Silas, Sawyer, Santiago, and Stetson, as they balance grit and class and are widely admired.

    Are there versatile and unisex S names suitable for any gender?

    Yes, unisex names like Sutton, Sage, Spencer, Scout, Sterling, and Sidney work for anyone, removing gender-based naming stress.

    What are some unique S names that stand out and are less common?

    Unique S names include Saffron, Severus, Sylvan, Solstice, Sparrow, and Saber, which offer grit and exotic appeal for those looking for distinct options.

    Do old-fashioned names beginning with S make a comeback?

    Yes, vintage names like Stanley, Seymour, Sid, Sherman, and Sheldon are making a comeback, appreciated for their rustic, nostalgic charm.

    author avatar
    Šinko Jurica
    With a passion for community and storytelling, Šinko Jurica creates content that resonates deeply with readers. From faith and family to hobbies and humor, he covers the moments that define us, offering practical advice and encouragement for every season of life.
    See Full Bio
    social network icon social network icon
    Share.

    Related Posts