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Sage

♀ Girl

Pronounced SAYJ /seɪdʒ/High

Meaning: Wise one; also the aromatic herb — from Latin <em>salvia</em> (safe, well), via Old French <em>sauge</em>High

In 30 seconds: A one-syllable herb and wisdom name from the Latin for 'safe' and 'whole,' Sage carries layers of meaning: botanical freshness, ancient wisdom, and modern cool. A rising nature name that works beautifully for girls.
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Origin HighEnglish, Latin
MeaningWise one; also the aromatic herb — from Latin <em>salvia</em> (safe, well), via Old French <em>sauge</em>
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 17,338

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719632017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Sage as a vocabulary name derives from two converging sources: (1) the adjective 'sage' meaning 'wise,' from Old French sage, from Latin sapere (to be wise, to taste); and (2) the herb sage, from Old French sauge, from Latin salvia (to be safe, healthy). Both meanings are positive, and the herb has sacred associations in many cultures.

Sage has been used as a given name since at least the 1990s and has gained traction as part of the nature-name and wellness-name trend. In the U.S. it is used for both sexes but has been particularly rising for girls in the 2010s–2020s, now ranking in the top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been used medicinally and ceremonially since antiquity — the Romans called it herba sacra (sacred herb) and used it to preserve meat, promote fertility, and sharpen the mind.

Variations

Saige

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Sage…

Willow— another one-word nature name with the same serene, botanical feel
Hazel— nature-inspired vintage revival name with a similar warm character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sage mean?

Sage means 'wise' (from Old French/Latin <em>sapere</em>) and also refers to the aromatic herb valued for health and wisdom since antiquity.

How do you pronounce Sage?

Sage is pronounced SAYJ /seɪdʒ/ — a single syllable.

Is Sage a boy or girl name?

Sage is gender-neutral but is rising more quickly for girls in the U.S.

How popular is Sage?

Sage has been climbing U.S. charts for girls throughout the 2010s and 2020s, now ranking in the top 200 girls' names.