Sailor

An uncommon Old English pick — distinctive and rare.

Girl's name| Also boysOld EnglishDeclining Also a pet name
#1341 264in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Sailor is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old English origin, from the English occupational word meaning 'one who sails ships' — from Old English and Old French saillier (to sail), evoking the freedom of the open sea and adventurous spirit.

Christie Brinkley named her daughter Sailor, bringing this adventurous occupational name into naming consciousness. It carries the open-water freedom of maritime imagery — wind, waves, navigation by stars — and fits naturally alongside other occupational names that have crossed into first-name territory. A name for a child destined to find their own way.

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Popularity Over Time

Sailor climbed 2045 spots in the last 20 years — from #3386 to #1341.

06112318424520002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Sailor
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s1,019
2010s1,730
2000s588
1990s59

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(27 years, 19982024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Sailor
YearBirthsRank
2024170#1341
2023230#1077
2022182#1301
2021212#1157
2020225#1087
2019208#1156
2018158#1418
2017243#1056
2016245#1066
2015237#1094
2014200#1224
2013135#1595
2012103#1927
2011111#1827
201090#2183
200985#2310
200877#2478
200774#2535
200664#2773
200542#3573

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Sailor as a Boy's Name

Though more common for girls, Sailor has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 646 births since 1997.

#2731
Current rank
646
Total births
2022
Peak year
Compare Sailor as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Sailor be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Sailor is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #1341. As a boy's name, it ranks #2731.

Sailor has two lives

Sailor, the baby name
#1341girls
3,396 babies
Currently viewing
Sailor, the pet name
#1186pet name
96 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (19982024) · Methodology