Sky

♀ Girl

Pronounced SKY /skaɪ/High

Meaning: From Old Norse sky meaning cloud, which gave the English word sky meaning the expanse of heaven above the earth, used as a given name evoking limitlessness and freedomHigh

In 30 seconds: Sky is a breezy, one-syllable nature name evoking the open heavens. Minimal and modern, it suits parents who want a word name with infinite possibilities and a light, airy quality.

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Origin HighOld Norse, English

MeaningFrom Old Norse sky meaning cloud, which gave the English word sky meaning the expanse of heaven above the earth, used as a given name evoking limitlessness and freedom

U.S. rank (2025)#949 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births272 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,737

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

The word sky entered Middle English through Old Norse sky in the Viking Age and gradually replaced the native Old English word heofon for the heavens. Its use as a given name is a modern development.

As a given name, Sky and its variant Skye (associated with the Scottish Isle of Skye) began gaining popularity in the late 20th century. It became a unisex name and is now favored for girls, fitting the minimalist word-name trend.

Did you know? The English word sky comes from Old Norse sky meaning cloud — the original meaning was not the entire heavens but specifically clouds. The word shifted in meaning as Old Norse speakers settled in England during the Viking Age.

Overall data confidence 94%

Oxford English Dictionary — sky — Old Norse etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SkyeSkie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sky…

June— shares the one-syllable word-name simplicity with natural imagery

Wren— same brief, airy nature word-name in the minimalist naming trend

Nova— shares celestial and heavenly imagery with a bright, modern feel

Aurora— same open-sky light imagery but in a grander, multi-syllable form

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sky mean?

Sky means the expanse of heaven above the earth. The word comes from Old Norse sky, which originally meant cloud.

How do you pronounce Sky?

It is said SKY, a single syllable rhyming with fly and high.

Is Sky a boy or girl name?

Sky is used for both but has become predominantly a girls name in recent years.

What is the difference between Sky and Skye?

Skye with an e is the more common spelling and is also associated with the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Both are used as given names.