Sioux
A girl's name of Native American origin with 29 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Sioux, you're looking at a name that fewer than 29 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Sioux a crisp, modern feel that pairs easily with most surnames.
Sioux is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Sioux is a girl's baby name of Native American origin, drawn from the name of the Sioux Nation — one of the largest and most historically significant Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. The name carries deep cultural resonance tied to the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota peoples whose ancestral lands stretched across the American heartland.
Though rare as a given name, Sioux has appeared as a tribute choice among families with Indigenous heritage or a deep connection to American history. Its bold, single-syllable sound — pronounced "soo" — gives it an unexpectedly sleek quality that feels both ancient and modern.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Sioux is a girl's name with several decades of recorded use (1953–1997). Its Native American roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 29 total births, Sioux exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Sioux has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1953.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 19 | — |
The Story of Sioux
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1955, Sioux is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Girls named Sioux are most likely born between 1953 and 1965.
How rare is Sioux?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sioux is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1953, peaked in the 1950s with 19 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1953–1997)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 5 | #15807 |
| 1993 | 5 | #15465 |
| 1959 | 7 | #5494 |
| 1955 | 7 | #5138 |
| 1953 | 5 | #6406 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sioux a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sioux most popular?
How popular is the name Sioux?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1953–1997