Ideally suited for a child with a sunny disposition and an adventurous spirit, Savannah feels grounded yet elegant. It is a name that bridges the gap between the vintage revival trends and the modern love for nature-inspired names.
Verdict: Savannah is a graceful, timeless choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers familiarity without being overused, providing a perfect balance of Southern hospitality and natural grandeur.
Savannah Overview
- Meaning: Savannah means “treeless plain.”
- Gender: Savannah is typically a female name.
- Origin: The modern name was adapted from the Spanish word “sabana,” which came from the Taino word “zabana.”
- Pronunciation: “sah-va-nuh.”
- Popularity: The name has been around since the 1800s. It’s been extremely popular for the last 20 years.
- Nicknames: Ann, Anna, Ava, Sav, Sava, Vann, Vannah
- Variations: Sabian, Sabeen, Savanna, Savanah, Savian, Sivan, Sabaean, Savan, Sahvanna, Savana, Sabana
- Namesakes: Savannah Outen, Savannah Reed.
What Does Savannah Mean?
On the surface, Savannah is a topographical name. It translates literally to “treeless plain” or a “tract of low-lying marshy ground” (1). However, to look only at the dictionary definition misses the poetic weight of the name. A savannah is a rich ecosystem; it represents openness, horizon, and life. It suggests a personality that is expansive and welcoming, much like the landscape itself.
The name is also inextricably linked to the historic city of Savannah, Georgia. Known for its manicured squares and coastal beauty, the city lends the name an air of antebellum history and Southern aristocracy.
Where Does the Name Savannah Come From?
The etymology of Savannah is a fascinating journey across languages and cultures. While many assume it is purely English, the word actually traveled through the Caribbean. The modern name is derived from the Spanish word “sabana.” The Spanish settlers, however, borrowed this term from the Taino people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean, who used the word “zabana” to describe a large, flat sheet or plain.
The name’s usage as a personal moniker has deep American roots. It appeared as a given name in the United States as early as the late 19th century, often used to honor the famous Southern city. It is also worth noting that the Shawnee people, a Native American tribe, had a settlement in Georgia; the name of the Savannah River is often associated with the Anglicization of their tribal name, the “Shawano.”
How Popular is the Name Savannah?
Savannah is what we call a “modern classic.” While it existed in the 1800s, it flew under the radar for nearly a century before exploding in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s. It served as a fresh, nature-inspired alternative to the omnipresent “S” names of that era, such as Stephanie and Samantha.
According to Social Security Administration data, Savannah became a Top 50 powerhouse in the year 2000 (2). It reached its peak popularity in 2006 and 2007, ranking as high as 30th nationwide. During that peak, nearly 1 out of every 300 girls born in the U.S. was named Savannah.
In recent years, the name has gently cooled, moving out of the Top 50 but remaining firmly planted in the Top 100. This is actually good news for parents in 2025; the name is familiar and beloved, but your child likely won’t be one of three Savannahs in her kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Savannah?
The most common American English pronunciation is suh-VAN-uh, placing the emphasis on the middle syllable.
However, dialects play a major role in how this name sounds. In the American South, the first syllable is often softer, sounding more like “sah-VAN-uh.” In Spanish speaking households, the pronunciation shifts closer to the root word, sounding like sa-BA-nah.
Is Savannah a Boy or Girl Name?
Savannah is overwhelmingly considered a female name in modern usage. While you may find rare historical instances of it being used for boys (often as a middle name denoting a place of birth), over 99% of babies named Savannah today are girls. It fits comfortably alongside other feminine place names like Dakota, Brooklyn, and Paris.
Variations of Savannah
Because Savannah is derived from a phonetic word, parents often modify the spelling to simplify it or make it unique. The most common variation is simply dropping the “h” at the end.
- Savanna: (English) The most common alternative spelling.
- Sabana: (Spanish) The traditional spelling of the word.
- Savanah: (English) A simplified phonetic spelling.
- Sahvanna: (American Modern) An elaboration for emphasis.
- Sabana: (Spanish) Closer to the etymological root.
- Sivan: (Hebrew) Distinct name, but phonetically similar.
Nicknames for Savannah
One of the best reasons to choose a longer, multi-syllabic name is the wealth of nickname options. You can go sweet and vintage with “Annie” or cool and modern with “Sav.”
Common Nicknames:
- Sav: The most intuitive, sporty short form.
- Vannah: Highlights the soft ending of the name.
- Vann: A punchy, gender-neutral option.
- Anna: A classic name hiding inside the longer version.
- Ava: Using the middle sounds.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Sanna: A Scandinavian-sounding twist.
- Van: Cool and edgy.
- Vivi: A stretch, but a cute one derived from the “v” sound.
Names Similar to Savannah
If you love the vibe of Savannah but want something slightly different, perhaps to avoid a duplicate name in the family, consider these alternatives.
Similar in Sound (The “Ana” Ending):
These names share the rhythmic, three-syllable flow and open vowel sounds.
Similar in Style (Place & Nature Names):
These names evoke the same topographical or Southern feel as Savannah.
Middle Names for Savannah
Because Savannah is a longer, flowy name (3 syllables), it often pairs best with a short, crisp middle name to anchor it. However, it also sounds beautiful with classic floral names.
Classic & Elegant
Short & Punchy
Nature & Boho
- Savannah Rain
- Savannah Harper
Sibling Names for Savannah
Creating a sibset is about matching the “era” and the “weight” of the names. Savannah works well with other Southern-charm names, place names, or soft classics.
For a Brother
- Austin (Matches the geography theme)
- Tyler (Solid 90s/00s classic pairing)
- George (Traditional Southern gentleman vibe)
- William (Timeless classic)
- Orlando (Place name)
- Vince (Short and strong contrast)
For a Sister
- Shelby (Shares the Southern charm)
- Charlotte (The ultimate Southern city-name pairing)
- Ally (Sweet and simple contrast)
Famous People Named Savannah
The name has significant representation in media, athletics, and even royalty.
- Savannah Guthrie: The co-anchor of the NBC News morning show Today, perhaps the most famous current bearer of the name.
- Savannah Phillips: The eldest great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and daughter of Peter Phillips.
- Savannah Miller: A well-known American-British fashion designer and sister to actress Sienna Miller.
- Savannah Outen: American singer who gained fame on YouTube.
- Savannah King: Canadian Olympic swimmer who competed in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Savannah Chrisley: Reality TV star known for “Chrisley Knows Best.”
Savannah in Pop Culture
Savannah has been a favorite choice for authors and screenwriters wanting to convey a sense of romance or sweetness.
- Savannah Curtis: The female lead in Nicholas Sparks’ romantic drama “Dear John,” portrayed by Amanda Seyfried in the film adaptation.
- Savannah Smiles: The titular character of the 1982 cult classic film, which also inspired the name of a lemon-flavored Girl Scout cookie.
- Savannah “Savi” Davis: A lead character in the TV drama series “Mistresses.”
- West Savannah: A track by the legendary hip-hop duo Outkast, referencing their Georgia roots.
- Savannah: A character in Pat Conroy’s famous novel “The Prince of Tides.”
FAQs About the Name Savannah
Here are the most common questions we receive regarding this beautiful name.
What is the Biblical Meaning of Savannah?
Savannah does not appear in the Bible. It is a geographical English term derived from indigenous Caribbean languages. However, some parents associate the “treeless plain” meaning with spiritual concepts of openness and honesty before God.
What is the Personality of Someone Named Savannah?
While every child is unique, the name Savannah is often associated with a warm, hospitable, and adventurous spirit. In numerology, names with this letter count often resonate with stability and a love for nature.
Is Savannah Considered a Southern Name?
Yes, Savannah is widely considered a quintessential Southern name in the United States. This is largely due to its association with the historic coastal city of Savannah, Georgia, which is famous for its Southern charm, history, and architecture.
Can Savannah Be Spelled Without the H?
Absolutely. “Savanna” is a very common alternative spelling. It is arguably the more “geographically accurate” spelling of the ecosystem (savanna), whereas “Savannah” with the “h” is the standard spelling for the city and the given name.
What Names Go With Savannah?
Savannah pairs beautifully with other soft, multi-syllable names like Sierra, Dakota, or Isabella. For sibling sets, it works well with traditional Southern names like Beau, Wyatt, Charlotte, or Georgia.
Is Savannah a Rare Name?
No, Savannah is not considered rare. It has been a mainstay in the top 100 baby names in the US for over two decades. However, it is not as ubiquitous as names like Olivia or Emma, hitting a “sweet spot” of being recognizable but not overused.
Does Savannah Mean Princess?
No, Savannah does not mean princess. The misconception may arise because of the character “Savannah” in various fictional stories, or perhaps confusion with the name “Sarah,” which does mean princess in Hebrew. Savannah strictly means “treeless plain.”
