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Sirius

♂ Boy

Pronounced SIHR-ee-uhs /ˈsɪɹ.i.əs/Medium

Meaning: glowing, scorchingMedium

In 30 seconds: Sirius is a Greek-rooted boy's name meaning 'glowing' or 'scorching', best known as the name of the brightest star in the night sky.
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Origin MediumGreek
Meaningglowing, scorching
U.S. rank (2024)#2657 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births50 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 689

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219992024

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

History & Origin

The name comes from Greek and describes something glowing or scorching, fitting for Sirius, the dazzling Dog Star. Long used for the star itself, it has more recently been adopted as a given name.

Its Italian-flavored variation Sirio softens the ending while keeping the bright, fiery association.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Sirius is 'burning', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Sirius — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSVEtymology — Sirius — meaning/etymology

Variations

Sirio

Nicknames

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If you like Sirius…

Orion— Another Greek name tied to a constellation, paired with Sirius in the night sky.
Leo— A name drawn from the stars and a constellation, echoing Sirius's sky connection.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sirius mean?

Sirius is usually explained as meaning 'burning' and is most often linked with Astronomy tradition.

How do you pronounce Sirius?

It's commonly said SIHR-ee-uhs /ˈsɪɹ.i.əs/.

Is Sirius a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Sirius?

In 2024, Sirius ranked #2657 in the U.S. for boys, with 50 births recorded.