Sundance
Primarily a boy's name of Native American origin with 65 recorded births. Also given to 10 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Sundance is a baby name of Native American origin, inspired by the Sun Dance — a sacred ceremony central to the spiritual traditions of many Plains Indian nations, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho peoples. The ceremony honors the sun and the renewal of life.
As a given name, Sundance evokes the wide-open West, Indigenous spiritual heritage, and the famous Sundance Kid (Harry Longabaugh), whose outlaw legend was immortalized in the 1969 film. Today it also connects to the Sundance Film Festival. It's a free-spirited, boldly American name with genuine cultural roots.
EtymologyShow more
Sundance first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1971. First appearing in the 1970s, Sundance emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Native American classification suggests a path from native american 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
Sundance has 10+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1971.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 6 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 49 | — |
The Story of Sundance
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1978, Sundance is a Gen X staple. Boys named Sundance are most likely born between 1971 and 1988.
How rare is Sundance?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Sundance is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1971, peaked in the 1970s with 49 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Sundance by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(10 years, 1971–1996)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 5 | #10347 |
| 1995 | 5 | #10132 |
| 1980 | 6 | #6150 |
| 1979 | 7 | #5297 |
| 1978 | 10 | #3817 |
| 1977 | 8 | #4536 |
| 1976 | 7 | #4866 |
| 1975 | 6 | #5377 |
| 1973 | 5 | #5789 |
| 1971 | 6 | #4850 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Sundance as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Sundance has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 10 births since 1977.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sundance a boy's or girl's name?
When was Sundance most popular?
How popular is the name Sundance?
Can Sundance be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1971–1996