Home › Baby Names Directory › Sapphire

Sapphire

♀ Girl

Pronounced SAF-ire /ˈsæf.aɪər/High

Meaning: Blue gemstone; from Greek sappheiros (lapis lazuli, blue stone), from Hebrew sappir (precious stone)High

In 30 seconds: A gem name meaning 'blue stone,' from Greek sappheiros and Hebrew sappir. Associated with wisdom, royalty, and September (its birthstone month), Sapphire sits in the same glittering category as Ruby, Pearl, and Diamond.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighGreek, Hebrew

MeaningBlue gemstone; from Greek sappheiros (lapis lazuli, blue stone), from Hebrew sappir (precious stone)

U.S. rank (2024)#1037 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births242 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,806

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

Sapphire derives from Greek sappheiros (lapis lazuli or blue stone), from Hebrew sappir (beautiful, precious stone). In the ancient world, 'sapphire' often referred to lapis lazuli rather than the blue corundum we know today. The gem is September's birthstone and is associated with wisdom, royalty, and divine favor.

Sapphire as a given name has been used in English-speaking communities since the Victorian era, though it has always been rare. It ranked #1037 for girls in 2024, part of the broader gem-name trend (Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Opal).

Did you know? The sapphire's traditional association with wisdom and divine favor made it the stone of kings and clergy — medieval bishops wore sapphire rings to symbolize heaven, and the British Crown Jewels include several famous sapphires.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Sapphire — Greek/Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SapphiraSaffira

Nicknames

SaphSaffi

Famous Bearers

★Sapphire (1950-)
American author and poet who wrote the novel Push

If you like Sapphire…

Ruby— gem name in the same precious-stone category, similarly popular

Pearl— vintage gem name enjoying the same revival period

Emerald— gem name in the same colour-stone category

Opal— gem name with a similar dreamy, Victorian feel

Crystal— gemstone-adjacent name in the same decorative category

Explore names like Sapphire

By themehebrew greek nature gemstone

By meaningJewel / Gem Rock / Stone

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sapphire mean?

Sapphire means 'blue gemstone,' from Greek sappheiros and Hebrew sappir. It is September's birthstone.

How do you pronounce Sapphire?

It's said SAF-ire — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sapphire a boy or girl name?

Sapphire is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Sapphire?

Sapphire ranked #1037 for U.S. girls in 2024.