Unique Names that Start With S

From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.
 One contemporary bearer is actress Saskia Reeves, who was born to a Dutch mother. Pop artist Red Grooms has a grown daughter named Saskia, and more recently TV's Anne Dudek chose it for her daughter.

Saskia

Seneca was both a Roman philosopher-statesman and is a Native American Iroquois tribe. Occasionally used for both girls and boys, Seneca is now a Hunger Games character.

Seneca

This is a soft, soignée <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/497/french-names-for-girls">French girls' name</a>that has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce.
 It is also the name of a martyred ninth century saint, a poor shepherdess who came to a tragic end while defending her honor. Among other things, St Solange is a patron saint of rain.
 Solange would make a striking, sophisticated choice, though alternative forms include Solenne, Soline, and Solenn, which are currerntly more popular in France. Pronunciation in French: SAW-LAH(n)ZH, though in English, so-LAHNZH (zh like the z of azure or the g of beige) may be heard.
 
Given to 33 girls in the US in a recent year, Solange coincides with the German word for "so long as".

Solange

Sigrid is a distinctly Scandinavian name that is starting to edge out into the wider world, a la cousin Ingrid. Unfortunately, short form Siri is now off the table, but Sigrid is still a possibility.

Sigrid

More <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/173/scandinavian-names">Scandinavian names</a> are making their way into English-speaking homes. If Sven and Freya are useable, why not Svea? With a similar sound to Ava, it is associated with Mother Svea, a national personification of Sweden.

Svea

Sela is a Biblical place name, the original term for the city of Petra, which is finding new life through actress Sela Ward, star of several TV series. The young daughter of singer Lauryn Hill is named Selah, pronounced the same but with a different derivation and meaning. Found among early African-American enslaved people, it was sometimes spelled Cela or Cella.

Sela

The most famous Sinclair was the (male) writer Lewis, but these days the name works at least as well for a girl. 

Sinclair

Skylyn is a modern feminine name that emerged in the late 20th century, blending the popular nature-inspired element "Sky" with the trendy "-lyn" suffix that appears in names like Brooklyn and Madelyn. The name evokes images of openness, freedom, and limitless possibilities. Skylyn began appearing on American baby name charts in the early 2000s, gaining modest popularity as part of the trend toward created names with contemporary sounds. Its appeal lies in its fresh, airy quality and distinctive sound. While not among the top-ranked names, Skylyn continues to appeal to parents seeking modern names with natural associations and a unique but recognizable structure.

Skylyn

With the current taste for last names first, this sounds a lot cooler than Shawn; it also has creative connections to the great Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, novelist Irwin Shaw, and Big Band Era clarinetist/bandleader and one-time Ava Gardner husband Artie Shaw.
 Since Shaw, like all the other names in this book, has never appeared in the Top 1000, a boy given this name could really make it his own.

Shaw

Saleen is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Arabic name Salim (meaning 'safe' or 'peaceful'), represent a variation of Selene (Greek moon goddess), or be inspired by the luxury car brand. With its smooth, modern sound ending in the popular '-een' suffix, Saleen has gained modest usage in recent decades, particularly in the United States. The name has a sleek, contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to traditional roots. Its cross-cultural possibilities make it appealing to diverse families seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While not ranking among popular names, Saleen has gradually increased in usage among parents looking for unique names with an elegant, flowing quality.

Saleen

Santina is a feminine name of Italian origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Santa, meaning "saint" or "holy." The suffix "-ina" adds an endearing quality, essentially meaning "little saint" or "little holy one." The name has traditional usage in Italian families, particularly those with Catholic backgrounds, and carries connotations of purity and virtue. Santina has moderate recognition in Italian-American communities but remains relatively uncommon in mainstream American naming practices. The name has a melodic, romantic quality typical of Italian names, with its soft consonants and flowing vowel endings. Parents might choose Santina to honor Italian heritage, express religious devotion, or simply for its gentle, feminine sound and graceful character.

Santina

This strong Spanish name that refers to the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Solitude) has been made accessible by broadcaster Soledad O'Brien -- who shows how well it combines with an Anglo surname. Her birth name was Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien.
 Ava Gardner portrayed a character named Soledad in the film The Angel Wore Red.

Soledad

Samwise Gamgee is the name of Frodo's most loyal companion in Lord of the Rings, played by Sean Astin in Peter Jackson's movie adaptations. Like the related Samwell from Game of Thrones, it could be a fun way to commemorate a favorite book while giving your child an easy way out, with nickname Sam.

Samwise

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas.  Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Silvano

Not quite as over-the-hill as Herman, but not far behind either. 

Sherman

This shimmery Age of Aquarius unisex flower child name is making a comeback, along with metal and gem names like Steel, Jade, and Ruby. 

Silver

Solar is a new gender-neutral word name used nearly evenly for boys and girls. With both a weather and a heavenly bent, it's a name that's just warming up.

Solar

Spiritual word names are becoming more and more popular – think Peace, Bodhi, Zen and Psalm – and Spirit is among the rarer options, given to a couple dozen baby girls each year in the US. It's the name of the horse in the kids' TV show Spirit.

Spirit

Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died.  After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and Sunniva's intact body was found.  Sunniva is the patron saint of Western Norway.  Her name would make a fascinating and unusual choice for a modern baby girl, and if her story is a bit grim, you can take refuge in the upbeat nickname Sunny or Sunni.

Sunniva

Upper crust-y surname Sheridan gains some energy when used for a girl. 

Sheridan

unique names that start with the letter S, including Saskia, Seneca, Solange, Sigrid, Svea, Sela, Sinclair, Skylyn, Shaw, Saleen, Santina, Soledad, Samwise, Silvano, Sherman, Silver, Solar, Spirit, Sunniva, and Sheridan. (Page 9)

Unique Names that Start With S

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