San
San is a boy's name of Sanskrit origin.
Meaning
Ancient, honored, or mountain, depending on linguistic root.
Origin and history
San is a name of varied roots, commonly associated with the Sanskrit word meaning 'old', 'ancient', or 'honored', while also appearing as a given name or word element in various East Asian cultures. In the United States, it is a rare male name that has seen steady, low-frequency usage over the decades. Its brevity and global presence give it a modern, minimalist appeal.
Popularity in the United States
626 babies in the United States have been named San since 1880. It ranks #4050 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1905.
States where it is most popular
- CA (68.1 %)
- TX (31.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 10 |
| 1920-1930 | 15 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 26 |
| 1950-1960 | 43 |
| 1960-1970 | 73 |
| 1970-1980 | 100 |
| 1980-1990 | 155 |
| 1990-2000 | 102 |
| 2000-2010 | 34 |
| 2010-2019 | 46 |
| 2020-2029 | 22 |
Fun facts
- San occurs as a standalone name or honorific suffix across several Asian linguistic traditions.
- With over 600 recorded births since 1880, San remains an uncommon choice in the United States.