Sion
Primarily a boy's name with 756 recorded births. Also given to 85 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Alternative spelling of Zion.
Sion is a boy's and girl's baby name of Welsh origin, the Welsh form of John, meaning 'God is gracious.' In Wales, Sion (pronounced 'Shawn') is one of the most traditional masculine names.
In Welsh culture, Sion Corn ('John of the Horn') is the Welsh name for Father Christmas, giving the name a festive warmth alongside its biblical depth. For families with Welsh heritage, Sion is a proud cultural marker — and for others, its compact spelling and familiar sound make it a hidden gem.
EtymologyShow more
Sion's linguistic roots are not definitively traced to a single tradition. For names recorded as far back as 1912, the lack of a clear origin label often means the name predates modern naming databases or belongs to a tradition not yet well-cataloged in English-language references.
What the data does show: Sion has 756 recorded U.S. births as a boy's name, with its solid, balanced ending a versatile ending found across many naming traditions.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sion climbed 1304 spots in the last 20 years — from #4972 to #3668.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 187 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 241 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 187 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 56 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 24 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 41 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 10 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 5 | — |
The Story of Sion
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2022, Sion is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Sion are most likely born between 2012 and 2024.
How rare is Sion?
Only about 1 in every 116,129 babies born in 2024 was named Sion — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1912, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 241 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Sion by the numbers
- Would fill 16 school buses
- Meeting one Sion per day would take 2.1 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(46 years, 1912–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 31 | #3668 |
| 2023 | 43 | #2936 |
| 2022 | 43 | #2951 |
| 2021 | 33 | #3485 |
| 2020 | 37 | #3121 |
| 2019 | 38 | #3139 |
| 2018 | 21 | #4718 |
| 2017 | 18 | #5268 |
| 2016 | 18 | #5281 |
| 2015 | 22 | #4526 |
| 2014 | 25 | #4114 |
| 2013 | 20 | #4773 |
| 2012 | 30 | #3614 |
| 2011 | 27 | #3876 |
| 2010 | 22 | #4501 |
| 2009 | 23 | #4412 |
| 2008 | 15 | #6020 |
| 2007 | 16 | #5638 |
| 2006 | 18 | #5042 |
| 2005 | 15 | #5538 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Sion as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Sion has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 85 births since 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sion a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sion most popular?
How popular is the name Sion?
Can Sion be used for both boys and girls?
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1912–2024