San

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAHN /ˈsɑːn/Medium

Meaning: San is a short, single-syllable name whose reading depends on origin: it can be a Korean name element, a clipped form of longer names (Santiago, Sanjay), or a standalone modern pick. No single settled meaning — routes uncertain.Low

In 30 seconds: A clean one-beat name: San works as a short pick or a clip of longer names like Santiago (said 'SAHN'). Routes uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowMultiple

MeaningSan is a short, single-syllable name whose reading depends on origin: it can be a Korean name element, a clipped form of longer names (Santiago, Sanjay), or a standalone modern pick. No single settled meaning — routes uncertain.

U.S. rank (2025)#13552 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1984

Total births (all-time)≈ 626

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

San is a single-syllable name that reads differently across languages — a Korean name element, a clip of Santiago or Sanjay, or a clean modern standalone. No single settled meaning — routes uncertain (said 'SAHN').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, minimal, and uncertain.

Did you know? San is about as short as a name gets — one crisp beat that can stand alone, nod to Korean names, or shorten Santiago or Sanjay. Its routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'SAHN').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — San — Short cross-language name; routes uncertain

Variations

SannSahnSaan

Nicknames

SannySun

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Explore names like San

By themeuncertain modern short minimal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name San mean?

San is a short name whose reading varies by origin — a Korean element, a clip of Santiago or Sanjay, or a modern standalone. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce San?

It's said SAHN /ˈsɑːn/ — one syllable.

Is San a boy or girl name?

Here San is used as a boy's name.

How popular is San?

San is a rare name in the U.S.