Whittling down the list of the potential baby names you have chosen can be a real task. There are so many excellent baby names out there, how can a parent possibly pick? A good place to begin is with a desired initial. If you, your partner, or a family member has a name beginning with the letter S, that could be the perfect excuse to look at baby names that start with S. Further, you might be having your second child and want to find a baby name that starts with the same letter to compliment it.
Whatever your reasoning for wanting baby boy names that start with S, there are plenty of excellent baby names waiting for you to discover them. Around the world, Simon is one of the most popular baby names for boys that start with S. In the US, you find the elegant Sebastian as a top contender as well. While those names are absolutely marvelous, we want to offer you some unique baby names that start with S for you to consider. After all, variety is the spice of life!
Check Out These 50 Unique Boy Names That Start With S to Kickstart Your Baby-Naming Journey!
Sven
Sven is an approachable Scandinavian baby name that is actually more popular outside its native Sweden today. In Germany and The Netherlands, Sven is a huge hit, a top-50 pick for parents last year in both places. Sven has gone virtually unused outside of Europe, but we would not mind hearing here more often. Sven is one of the boy names that start with S with an excellent meaning. It means “youthful.”
Sanjay
The joyful-sounding name Sanjay enjoys Sanskrit origins that mean “triumphant.” In classic Hindu epics, you will see the name Sanjay belonging to the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra. Despite its completely lovable sound, Sanjay has not yet found a home among many American parents. The name has never appeared in the US top 1000 most popular baby names. Let’s change that and make it one of the best boy names that start with S!
Slate
Of all the stone baby names like Onyx and Flint, Slate is one of our favorites. We think this one works particularly well thanks to it sounding similar to the established name, Slade. Although Slade has enjoyed mild success in recent years, Slate has yet to follow suit. American pro soccer player Landon Donovan gave this name to his son who was born in 2017. It’s one of the coolest boy names that start with S.
Sesto
Sesto is one of the zestiest boy names that start with S that parents are not using today. Sesto has Latin origins as another form of the name Sextus (which we would not wish on any child who will eventually attend middle school). Sesto simply means “the sixth born,” but you do not need to have five others to justify this name! Live your life!
Salem
Salem can be pronounced SAIL-em or more like the Arabic name Salim, sah-LEM. Salem is a Biblical place name but in Arabic, the name means “safe.” That does not mean that Salem is not a popular name throughout the Arab world! It very much is. Salem finally debuted in the top 1000 baby names in the US last year! Salem is one of the fastest-rising boy names that start with S.
Simeon
Simeon is shaping up to be the next Gideon. With Gideon reaching peak ubiquity at the moment, Simeon might be the likely heir. Simeon is a Hebrew baby name that’s popular in Russia. It means “God is listening.” Simon is actually a Greek name that came from the Hebrew one, Simeon. This name has been mildly popular for decades appearing on and off the pop charts through the years but never cracking into the mainstream.
Scipio
Pronounced SIP-ee-oh, Scipio has an extremely zippy and friendly sound to it. The name comes from Latin origins and means “walking stick” or “staff.” A historic Roman general, who is considered one of the greatest military leaders of all time, bore this name. That may or may not appeal to you, but we just wanted to put that out there. Scipio is one of the most criminally underused baby boy names that start with S.
Seb
Most people think Seb is simply a shortened form of Sebastian. While it might be used that way in some cases, it’s actually a standalone baby name. Seb has Egyptian origins and means “God of the earth.” With the popularity of Sebastian in recent years, this could appeal as one of the alternative boy names that start with S.
Stanton
Stanton was a popular given name for boys from 1880 until 1968. It has not appeared on the top 1000 baby names list since then, which means it’s ripe for a return. Stanton started as an English topographic surname meaning “stony town.” This baby name offers you the opportunity to use the nicknames Stan, Ant, and Ton. Stanton is definitely one of the boy names that start with S that parents should return to.
Sigmund
In Germany, you will hear the name Sigmund pronounced ZEEK-munt. Most English speakers don’t attempt all that and instead just say SIG-mund. We encourage you to march to the beat of your own drum! Sigmund was once a one of the most popular boy names that start with S in the US until it fell off the charts in the 1920s. This appellation of German origin means “victorious protector.” Of all the baby names on this list, Sigmund offers some of the best nickname opportunities with Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid, and more.
Sharif
Egyptian-born actor, Omar Sharif, was an international sensation who starred in such films as Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Funny Girl. Sharif is a popular name in Muslim communities as it has ties to the descendants of Muhammad. This Arabic baby name means “the honorable one.” It’s one of the boy names that start with S that has not been exceedingly popular since the 1970s.
Shaw
As Shawn begins to outlive its stay in the US top 1000 baby names, the attractive surname-name Shaw could be an excellent alternative for the right parent. Shaw has English origins and means “dweller in the woods.” Historically, Shaw as a given name has occurred more often in the UK than in the US. It has never appeared in the top 1000 baby names here but we hope that changes!
Samo
If you absolutely love the name Samuel, name your son Samuel. But, if you would like something with a little more spice, consider the Czech form of Samuel, Samo. The name was famously borne by a 7th-century Slavic king. Samuel has Hebrew origins that mean “told by God.” Thus, Samo means the same. It’s one of the many boy names that start with S from Hebrew on this list!
Sabin
You may be more familiar with the female form of this name, Sabina. However, Sabin which is used fairly often in France is an ancient name that belongs to the Sabines who persisted long before the establishment of ancient Rome. The name simply refers to the Sabines who are sometimes called Sabini. This name remains virtually unknown in America so it could be perfect for you if you’re looking for the most unique boy names that start with S!
Sheridan
Sheridan is a surname-name that has never been wildly popular for boys or girls, though it was sparingly used for boys around the turn of the 20th century and girls a century later. We like it for any baby! Sheridan is a name with Irish origins that means “searcher.” It would be perfect for a little adventurer!
Shota
Shota is a high-flying Japanese baby name that most Americans probably do not know yet. Japanese names are formed by separate kanji elements to build the name. Depending on the kanji used, Shota can mean “soaring.” We love the name’s meaning and percussive sound we hope more parents coalesce around this appellation. It’s one of the cutest boy names that start with S on this list.
Silver
Of all the baby names to emerge in recent years, Steel has been one of the strangest choices to us. Honestly, do you, but we think Steel seems rather cold. For us, we prefer more natural names like Slate (which we shared with you already) and the gentle sound of Silver. Silver was once a popular baby name for boys in the US, landing in the top 1000 baby names list last in 1896. It’s past time for a new Silver rush.
Sinclair
Despite its literary credentials, Sinclair has never been a popular baby name in the US. Neither Sinclair Lewis nor Upton Sinclair propelled this name to popularity in the US. It’s a shame! Sinclair is a gorgeous Scottish place name that means “from St. Clair.” It’s one of the vintage-sounding boy names that start with S on this list that’s worth dusting off.
Spike
Spike began its use in America in the middle of the last century when others in its class like Buster and Buck were being enjoyed by many families. However, Spike Lee and Spike Jonze have proven that it works great as a given option. Mike Meyers name his son Spike which means that the pair can be referred to as Spike and Mike… Spike’s one of the most evocative boy names that start with S that you will ever encounter!
Sloan
Sloan used to be given to more boys than girls but now that’s flipped. We still love the Irish, gender-neutral name Sloan for boys. It means “raider.” Sloan feels like one of the very sleek and cool boy names that start with S that more baby boys should be getting today.
Spruce
If you love pine trees consider the endearing nature name Spruce. Spruce names a family of trees, but it also rhymes with the established name Bruce which helps it along. Spruce is a rather new discovery as a name and not many parents have chosen it for their sons yet. We think it’s one of the boy names that start with S with the most potential.
Spiro
Disgraced former Vice President to Richard Nixon, Spiro Agnew has probably scared more people away from this name than we can count. However, it’s been a few decades since Agnew’s downfall which means it could be time to bring it back. Spiro has Latin origins and means “I breath.” How lovely! The name has never been popular in the US and we think you can get away with it!
Stefan
Stefan is the continental form of Stephen that sounds much classier and way chicer. There’s not a thing wrong with Stephen but it has just become ubiquitous. Stefan feels fresher and it has been mildly popular here in the US since the 1940s. This is probably the most popular name on this list, but that does not mean it’s not unique! Stefan means “garland” and “crown.”
Suresh
A common epithet for the Hindu deities Indra, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, Suresha or its more contemporary form, Suresh are beloved in their native India and beyond. Suresh has Sanskrit origins that mean “ruler of the Gods.” Suresh is one of the most approachable boy names that start with S and we hope to hear it called on playgrounds and parks more often.
Sufyan
The name Sufyan will be most recognized as a name belonging to American musician Sufjan Stevens. Sufyan is a wildly popular name around the world. The appellation was borne by Abu Sufyan, a figure from early Islamic history. Outside of the Middle East, the name is having a real moment in the UK today. Sufyan enjoys Arabic origins that mean “slender.”
RELATED: 25 Unique Baby Names for Girls That Start With S
Soren
Soren is a Danish name that comes from the Latin name, Severus. Thus, the appellation means “stern.” Surprisingly, Soren is one of the boy names that start with S that’s super trendy. Soren entered the US top 1000 in 2003 and it’s been on an upward climb ever since!
Samir
Samir is an Arabic name that means “a friend to talk to in the evening.” Could that be the best meaning among these boy names that start with S? It’s likely! Samir has been mildly popular in the US since the late 1970s. It’s been on a slow climb but a rise that we’re happy to see.
Seamus
Parents who are tired of other boy names that start with S but still want something established and traditional can find both qualities in Seamus. Seamus is an Irish form of James and thus, means “supplanter.” It appeared on the US top 1000 most popular names last in 2017. Bring good old Seamus back, folks!
Sol
Sol is one of the boy names that start with S that’s been neglected for decades. This retro find has spent nearly 100 years out of favor. Sol is a Spanish name, meaning “sun.”
Sylvan
Similar to Sol, Sylvan is another one of the boy names that start with S to fall from fashion for decades. This handsome appellation has roots in Roman mythology, belonging to a forest deity. Thus, Sylvan means “forest.”
Sylvester
If Sylvan did not offer you enough spice, consider another name for boys coming from the same root, Sylvester. Model Emily Ratajkowski named her son Sylvester Apollo in 2021. Celebrities tend to be trendsetters and tastemakers so it’s possible for Sylvester to stage a comeback!
Sasha
Sasha is a wildly popular option for boys in Russia as a diminutive form of the Greek name Alexander. Of the babies given the name Sasha in the US, 90% of them are baby girls. We feel it’s one of the boy names that start with S that’s worth considering for a baby boy even if it bucks the trend. The Greek root for the name means “defending men.”
Sully
Heroic pilot “Sully” Sullenberger does not have a monopoly on the name Sully. Historically, it’s been a diminutive form of Sullivan, an English habitational name that means “from the southern meadow.” You won’t find this name on very many birth certificates today but we feel that should change!
Surya
A delightful Hindi name, Surya, means “sun god.” It’s one of the boy names that start with S that many US parents are likely unfamiliar with. The sun salutation in Yoga is a form of worship to the sun god.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a gentle, gender-neutral French name that’s evocative of Autumn. The roots of the name mean “reddish-brown.” Horse-lovers might recognize this name as it is often used to describe the color of horses.
Syrus
One of the boy names that start with S that is a stylish spelling alternative is Syrus. Syrus is an alternative spelling of the Persian name Cyrus and both share the noble meanings, “throne” and “sun.” Cyrus is the more popular spelling of the two but we have a soft spot for the stylish appeal of Syrus.
Senan
Legendary St. Senan founded many monasteries in the 6th century AD. Ruins of the ancient buildings are still visible in Ireland today. Senan’s Irish roots mean “old” and “wise.” The name is wildly popular today in Ireland where it’s a top 100 name for boys. Bring this Irish treasure on over to America!
Sholto
Sholto is virtually unknown in the US which means it’s one of the most unique boy names that start with S here. The name is Scottish by way of Gaelic and means “sower.” The appellation is an Anglicized form of Sìoltach.
Solvi
A most unusual name to many parents in the US, Solvi is an Icelandic name for boys that means “temple of the sun.” Not bad, right? The more traditional spelling is Sölvi and both forms of the name can be traced to Old Norse.
Shai
One of the boy names that start with S that gets confused with others often is Shai. Shai is a Hebrew name that’s pronounced just like the word “shy.” However, it is often confused with the Irish names Shea and Shay. This charming name means “gift.”
Sabo
Sabo which you will also find spelled, Szabo, is a Hungarian occupational name that means “tailor.” The name has gone virtually unused in the US which is a shame! If you have Hungarian heritage, you might consider showing it some love with a name like Sabo.
Sef
For whatever reason, Dutch names for boys are often single-syllable appellations. One such example is Sef which is the Dutch form of Josef AKA Joseph. Today, Sef outranks its parent form in the Netherlands. The Hebrew root of this name means “Jehovah increases.”
Shlomo
One of the most beloved boy names that start with S in Israel is Shlomo. It’s the 28th most popular name for boys there! Shlomo is rarely heard outside of the Jewish community to which the appellation means “his peace.”
Siro
A name from Latin that once belonged to a saint, Siro has not been used often in modern times. The name means “from Syria.”
Spence
Spence is a diminutive form of Spencer an English occupational name that means “steward” or “dispenser of provisions.” We think this nickname is ready to be used as a standalone. It’s one of the few boy names that start with S that started as a nickname on this list.
Steb
Sebastian is such a hugely popular name right now that you might be looking for other boy names that start with S that will work as alternatives. Steb is one such option as it has been used as a diminutive form of Sebastian for quite some time. The name is Latin from Greek and means “from Sebastia.”
Stavros
Aside from the billionaire shipping magnate, Stavros Niarchos, you might have never encountered the Greek name Stavros before. Stavros is a handsome name with an appealing meaning in “cross.”
Sten
One of the offbeat boy names that start with S on this list, Sten is the Swedish answer to the English name, Stone. This one-syllable wonder might be the best fit for your family if you have Swedish heritage and want alternatives to names like Sean or Steve.
Sadik
Commonly found in three main forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq, Sadik is a handsome Swahili name that you should absolutely consider. The roots of this name give it the benevolent meaning, “friend.” All three variations are on the table!
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Saturn
Saturn is a storied name from Roman mythology. The Roman god of agriculture and name to the sixth planet from the sun, Saturn could make for a cosmic choice for adventurous parents. This name has yet to crack the popularity charts but we could see it taking hold in the coming years!
There you go! We hope you enjoyed our picks of the best boy names that start with S. It’s sometimes hard to think of baby names that are not big hits like Scott, Stephen, Shawn, and Samuel. We hope these alternatives inspired you to go with something a little more offbeat but just as lovable. Whatever baby name you ultimately choose, we want you to know we are proud of you! Congrats!
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