Sakura
A girl's name of Japanese origin with 1,725 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A female given name from Japanese.
Sakura is a girl's baby name of Japanese origin meaning 'cherry blossom,' one of Japan's most beloved cultural symbols — representing the fleeting beauty of life and the renewal of spring. Cherry blossoms are celebrated each year in hanami festivals across Japan.
In anime and manga culture, Sakura is one of the most recognizable Japanese names globally, borne by beloved characters in Cardcaptor Sakura and Naruto.
EtymologyShow more
Sakura first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1970. Arriving in the 1970s, Sakura appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Japanese classification suggests a path from japanese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sakura was #2733 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3001, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 264 | #3120 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 702 | #2582 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 595 | #2980 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 113 | #8511 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 41 | #10354 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 10 | #10269 | — |
The Story of Sakura
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2012, Sakura is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Sakura are most likely born between 2002 and 2022.
How rare is Sakura?
Only about 1 in every 65,455 babies born in 2024 was named Sakura — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1970, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 702 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Sakura by the numbers
- Would fill 36 school buses
- Meeting one Sakura per day would take 4.7 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(43 years, 1970–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 55 | #3001 |
| 2023 | 47 | #3418 |
| 2022 | 51 | #3207 |
| 2021 | 58 | #2918 |
| 2020 | 53 | #3055 |
| 2019 | 60 | #2811 |
| 2018 | 60 | #2836 |
| 2017 | 68 | #2592 |
| 2016 | 60 | #2859 |
| 2015 | 67 | #2678 |
| 2014 | 64 | #2733 |
| 2013 | 75 | #2429 |
| 2012 | 87 | #2186 |
| 2011 | 81 | #2321 |
| 2010 | 80 | #2379 |
| 2009 | 85 | #2311 |
| 2008 | 76 | #2507 |
| 2007 | 77 | #2453 |
| 2006 | 65 | #2751 |
| 2005 | 55 | #2961 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sakura a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sakura most popular?
How popular is the name Sakura?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1970–2024