Sire

♂ Boy

Pronounced SY-er /ˈsaɪ.ər/Medium

Meaning: A modern given name from the English word sire, a respectful title for a king, lord, or father, from Old French via Latin senior "elder."Low

In 30 seconds: Sire is a modern given name from the English word 'sire', a respectful title for a king, lord, or father. It traces through Old French to the Latin 'senior', meaning 'elder'.

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Origin MediumModern American, English

MeaningA modern given name from the English word sire, a respectful title for a king, lord, or father, from Old French via Latin senior "elder."

U.S. rank (2025)#1475 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births121 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,715

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

The word 'sire' came into English from Old French, which drew it from the Latin 'senior', 'elder'. As a title it addressed kings, lords, and fathers, and as a given name it carries that note of rank and respect. Used directly as a name, it leans on the dignity of the word itself.

Short and commanding, Sire has a single-syllable strength that matches its meaning of authority and standing.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Sire is 'origin uncertain', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.

Overall data confidence 62%

Behind the Name - Sire — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

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Nicknames

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If you like Sire…

Royal— another word name carrying a sense of rank and majesty

King— a title word name in the same regal register

Sir— a closely related respectful title used as a name

Caesar— a title-turned-name with the same air of authority

Duke— another noble-rank word used directly as a name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sire mean?

Sire is usually explained as meaning 'origin uncertain' and is most often linked with African American tradition.

How do you pronounce Sire?

It's commonly said SY-er /ˈsaɪ.ər/.

Is Sire a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Sire is used as a boy name.

How popular is Sire?

In 2024, Sire ranked #1679 in the U.S. for boys, with 100 births recorded.