Sion

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHON /ˈʃɔn/Medium

Meaning: Welsh form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'; also a spelling of Zion, 'highest point'Medium

In 30 seconds: John, in lilting Welsh: Sion (said 'Shon') is the Welsh form — 'God is gracious' — and also a spelling of Zion. Warm, Celtic, and quietly devotional.

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Origin MediumWelsh, Hebrew

MeaningWelsh form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious'; also a spelling of Zion, 'highest point'

U.S. rank (2025)#2981 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births42 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 798

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

Sion is the Welsh form of John — Hebrew Yochanan, 'God is gracious' — traditionally pronounced 'Shon'. It also serves as a spelling of Zion (the holy hill of Jerusalem, 'highest point'). A warm Welsh classic with a devotional double meaning.

In the U.S. it appears in Welsh-heritage and varied families. Rare, gracious-or-Zion at the root, and Celtic.

Did you know? Sion is the Welsh John, pronounced 'Shon' — and 'Sion Corn' (literally 'Chimney John') is the Welsh name for Father Christmas, so the name has a festive home in Wales.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Siôn — etymology

Variations

SiônJohnZion

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Sion Probert (1948-)
Welsh politician who served in the National Assembly for Wales

If you like Sion…

John— the name it forms in Welsh

Zion— the name it can spell

Evan— a companion Welsh classic

Simeon— another Hebrew name

Savion— shares the -on ending

Explore names like Sion

By themehebrew welsh

By meaningGod / Divine Grace

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sion mean?

Sion is the Welsh form of John, 'God is gracious'; it's also a spelling of Zion, 'highest point'.

How do you pronounce Sion?

It's said SHON /ˈʃɔn/ — a single syllable (the Welsh pronunciation).

Is Sion a boy or girl name?

Sion is a boy's name.

How popular is Sion?

Sion is a rare name in the U.S.