Verdict: Sienna is a standout choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the lyrical beauty of traditional Italian names like Sophia or Isabella but feels slightly more spirited and artistic. It is a name with texture, color, and undeniable warmth.
Sienna Overview
- Meaning: Sienna means ochre, yellow-brown.
- Gender: Sienna is a unisex name, but more girls use it than boys.
- Origin: Italian phrase terra di Siena, or “Siena earth,” deriving from Latin.
- Pronunciation: Pronounce Sienna, “see-EH-nuh.”
- Popularity: The name is currently moderately popular, although it has become slightly less popular in the last decade.
- Nicknames: Ena, Sen, Sisi, Sissy, and See.
- Variations: Siena, Senna, Sena, and Sina.
- Namesakes: Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, Sienna Guylorry.
What Does Sienna Mean?
At its core, the name Sienna refers to a rich, reddish-brown earth pigment. However, to say it simply means “brown” is to undersell its history. The name is derived from the Italian terra di Siena, which translates literally to “Earth of Siena.”
This specific clay contains iron oxide and manganese oxide. In its natural state, it is a yellow-brown color (Raw Sienna). When heated, it becomes a reddish-brown (Burnt Sienna). For centuries, this pigment was used by Renaissance masters to create the warm, glowing skin tones and landscapes found in some of the world’s most famous paintings. Therefore, the name carries a hidden meaning of artistic creativity and natural beauty.
Where Does the Name Sienna Come From?
The name is inextricably linked to the Italian city of Siena in Tuscany. This city is steeped in ancient mythology.
According to local legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, the sons of Remus and nephews of Romulus (the founders of Rome). The name Senius is potentially derived from the Latin family name Saenius, or from the Latin word senex, meaning “old.”
While the specific color name entered the English lexicon around 1760, Sienna did not become a common given name for human beings until the late 20th century. It is a prime example of a “place name” and a “color name” merging to create a modern classic.
How Popular is the Name Sienna?
Sienna is what name experts consider a “Modern Classic.” It was virtually unheard of as a first name in the United States prior to the 1990s. It entered the top 1000 in 1995 and skyrocketed quickly, aided largely by the rise of actress Sienna Miller in the early 2000s.
Currently, the name has stabilized. It is no longer in its meteoric rise phase, which makes it a safe choice for parents who want a recognizable name that isn’t trendy to the point of overuse. It consistently ranks within the top 200 to top 150 names for girls in the US. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, it has historically been even more popular, often cracking the Top 10.
How Do I Pronounce Sienna?
The most common and accepted pronunciation in English is see-EN-uh.
Because the name is phonetic, mispronunciations are rare. Occasionally, you may hear “see-NAH” (two syllables) if someone speaks very quickly, but the three-syllable flow is the standard.
Is Sienna a Boy or Girl Name?
Sienna is overwhelmingly used as a girl’s name in modern English-speaking countries. While place names and color names are often theoretically unisex, the ending “-a” sound leans feminine in English naming conventions.
However, in Italy, the surname or place name Siena is gender-neutral. If you love the sound for a boy but want a spelling that feels more masculine, you might look at Latin boy names or the spelling “Senna,” which has a slightly sharper, more unisex edge.
Variations of Sienna
While Sienna is the dominant spelling in the US and UK, there are several lovely international variations and spellings:
- Siena: The authentic Italian spelling refers directly to the city. This spelling is often preferred by parents who want a more streamlined, elegant look.
- Senna: A botanical name (a flowering bush) that sounds identical but has a different root.
- Cienna: An Americanized spelling that emphasizes the soft “C” sound.
- Sziena: A rare Eastern European phonetic variation.
Nicknames for Sienna
Sienna is a short name that doesn’t strictly require shortening, but affectionate nicknames are inevitable. Here are common and creative options:
- Si / Ci: The most natural, effortless short form.
- Sisi / CeCe: A sweet, vintage-style nickname.
- Enna: A sophisticated shortening that removes the “S”.
- Nenna: A playful, rhythmic option often used by siblings.
- Sunny: A creative nickname playing on the “yellow” origins of the raw sienna pigment.
- Sia: A modern, edgy nickname sharing sounds with the full name.
Names Similar to Sienna
If you love the vibe of Sienna but aren’t quite ready to commit, consider these names that share its earthy, Italian, or colorful qualities:
- Sierra: Shares the “S” start, double “R/N” middle, and rugged terrain meaning.
- Gemma: Another Italian gem that means “precious stone.”
- Aurelia: Latin for “golden,” sharing the warm color palette of Sienna.
- Savannah: A place name with a similar rhythm and Southern warmth.
- Gianna: A distinctly Italian choice that has become very popular in the US.
- Florence: Like Sienna, this is a major Tuscan city (Firenze) turned vintage baby name.
- Ruby: If you like the “color name” aspect but want something punchier.
- Rose: The ultimate classic color and nature name.
Middle Names for Sienna
Because Sienna ends in a vowel, it pairs beautifully with names that start with a consonant or have a grounding, rhythmic quality.
Classic & Elegant Pairings
These middle names anchor Sienna, giving it a regal feel suitable for a future professional.
Modern & Breezy Pairings
These combinations feel lighter and highlight the artistic nature of the name.
Nature-Inspired Pairings
Lean into the “earth” meaning of Sienna with these organic middle names.
- Sienna Aurora
- Sienna Willow
- Sienna Hazel
- Sienna Dove
- Sienna Jade
Sibling Names for Sienna
Sienna is a versatile sibling name. It works with “frilly” romantic names, but also stands up next to strong, modern names.
For a Brother
- Alexander: A classic that matches Sienna in syllable count and stature.
- Xavier: Stylish, starts with a strong letter, and feels modern.
- Luca: Keeps the Italian theme without being overly matched.
- David: A timeless anchor that balances the modern flair of Sienna.
- Roman: A nod to the Italian geography in a strong, masculine way.
For a Sister
- Sophia: The ultimate Italian-Greek pairing; both are incredibly popular and flowing.
- Aria: Short, musical, and shares the Italian origin.
- Maya: Earthy and global, just like Sienna.
- Hannah: A palindrome that offers a traditional balance to Sienna’s modern vibe.
- Isla: Shares the vowel-heavy, breezy sound.
Famous People Named Sienna
- Sienna Miller: The British-American actress and fashion icon who single-handedly launched the name’s popularity in the early 2000s.
- Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi: The daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, cementing the name’s status among British royalty.
- Sienna Guillory: A British actress known for her roles in the Resident Evil film series.
Sienna in Pop Culture
- Sienna Blake: A long-running, dramatic character from the British soap opera Hollyoaks.
- Toyota Sienna: One of the most popular minivans in North America. While some parents worry about the car association, the name’s beauty generally transcends the vehicle.
FAQs About the Name Sienna
Is Sienna a Biblical Name?
No. While the name Sienna is fairly popular among Christian families, it does not appear in the Bible. It is a place name derived from Italy and a geological pigment name.
Is Sienna a Hindu Name?
No, this is likely due to confusion of the word “Sienna” with the similar-sounding traditionally Hindu name “Sianna,” which is derived from the name of the Hindu goddess Sita, wife of the Hindu god Lord Rama.
Is Sienna a Good Name?
Yes, Sienna is an elegant yet simple name that suggests purity and innocence but also success. If you plan on giving your baby girl this Italian name, she’ll likely enjoy it throughout her life because it is easy to spell, pronounce, and travel with.
Is it Spelled Sienna or Siena?
Both are correct, but they have different implications. “Siena” (one N) is the correct spelling of the Italian city. “Sienna” (two Ns) is the standard English spelling for the baby name and the color pigment. In the United States, the double-N spelling is significantly more popular.
Does Sienna Mean Orange?
Technically, Sienna refers to a specific family of earth pigments. “Raw Sienna” is a yellow-brown, while “Burnt Sienna” is a reddish-brown or rusty orange. So while it implies orange tones, the direct translation is related to the earth of the city of Siena, not the fruit or the color orange itself.
Is Sienna a Rare Name?
No, Sienna is not considered rare in 2025. It is a well-established name that appears frequently in classrooms across the UK, US, and Australia. However, it is not as ubiquitous as names like Olivia or Emma, making it a “sweet spot” name, familiar, but not everywhere.
What Does Sienna Mean in Spanish?
Sienna is not a Spanish word, though it looks like one. However, the Spanish word for the color is “siena” (similar to the Italian). It is easily pronounced by Spanish speakers, making it a great cross-cultural choice for bilingual families.
Can Sienna Be a Middle Name?
Absolutely. While it is popular as a first name, Sienna makes a lovely middle name because of its soft rhythm. It works particularly well with short, punchy first names like “Kate Sienna” or “Claire Sienna.”
