Off beat
- Sabel
Origin:
Form of Isabel, LatinMeaning:
"god is my oath; sand; sabel"Description:
Sabel is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a shortened form of Isabel or Isabella, names derived from the Hebrew Elisheba meaning "God is my oath." Alternatively, Sabel could relate to the Latin "sabulum" meaning "sand" or "gravel." In some contexts, it appears as a variant spelling of Sable, which refers to the luxurious dark fur or the color black. The name has a sophisticated, streamlined quality compared to its longer counterparts. While never extremely common, Sabel has appeared occasionally throughout naming records, appreciated for its brevity and elegant sound. The name carries a certain mystique with its potential connections to both royal heritage (through Isabel) and natural elements (through sable/sand), making it both distinctive and subtly familiar.
- Sabel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"sand; sable"Description:
Sabel as a masculine name is an uncommon choice with multiple possible origins. It may be related to the Latin 'sabulum' meaning 'sand' or could be a variant of Sable, referring to the dark-furred animal or the color. Some linguists connect it to medieval Spanish and Portuguese naming traditions. As a masculine name, Sabel remains quite rare in most countries, though it has seen occasional use in parts of Europe and Latin America. The name has a soft yet distinctive sound, balancing strength and sophistication. Its rarity gives it an exotic quality while remaining relatively simple to pronounce across different languages. Sabel also occasionally appears as a surname or place name, adding to its versatility and historical connections.
- Sadie
Origin:
Diminutive of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sadie started as a nickname for Sarah, but their images couldn't be more disparate. Where Sarah is serious and sweet, Sadie is full of sass and fun.
- Saer
Description:
Saer is a masculine name with medieval origins, derived from Old French occupational terms meaning 'carpenter' or 'woodworker.' It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest and appears in historical records as both a surname and given name. In some Middle Eastern contexts, similar names may have different etymological roots related to Arabic origins. Saer has a strong, concise sound that's simple to pronounce despite its uncommon nature. The name carries historical weight and craft associations, evoking images of skilled artisans and medieval guilds. It has remained extremely rare in modern times, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something with historical depth yet simplicity. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it practical despite its rarity.
- Saul
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"prayed for"Description:
Jewish parents in particular may be drawn to this quiet, composed name of the first king of Israel and the name of Saint Paul before his conversion. In modern times, it has been associated with Nobel Prize-winning novelist Saul Bellow. Its meaning makes it appropriate for a long-awaited child.Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."
- Selah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"praise, pause"Description:
The name is derived from the term commonly used in the Book of Psalms, which has a many Hebrew scholars in confusion over its meaning. Given its context in the Bible, Selah is likely to mean "to praise" or "pause and reflect upon what has just been said." Lauryn Hill used this name for her daughter. It is the last word in Anita Diamant's novel The Red Tent.
- Shia
Description:
Entered the vernacular with the rising star of Shia LeBeouf. The meaning and origin of the name are disputed, though the actor has been quoted as saying he's embarrassed by its meaning in French: another four-letter word starting with s.
- Sia
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"Victory"Description:
Mia, Gia, and now Sia!
- Silas
Origin:
Aramaic, Latin, GreekMeaning:
"of the forest; or prayed for"Description:
Sleek and smart, with a hint of mystique about it, Silas is a recent addition to the US Top 100. Both mythological and Biblical in origin, Silas joins the ranks of Isaiah, Atlas, Elias, and Sebastian: polished and contemporary feeling names with plenty of history.
- Stella
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"star"Description:
Stella is a name with star quality and sparkle, that manages to sound both ethereal and earthy. Celestial but not otherworldly, it lands somewhere between the popular Ella and bold Seraphina.
- Stellan
Origin:
Swedish, meaning unknown, possibly "calm"Meaning:
"calm"Description:
Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.
- Sullivan
Origin:
Irish surnameMeaning:
"black-eyed one"Description:
Sullivan is a jaunty Celtic three-syllable name, with a real twinkle in its eye. It was immortalized in the 1930s classic film Sullivan's Travels and was chosen for one of Patrick Dempsey's twin boys. Nickname Sully is equally jaunty.
- Sybella
Origin:
Variation of Sybil or SibylMeaning:
"seer, oracle"Description:
The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit Downton Abbey, and Top Ten name Isabella. Biggest downside: There are an awful lot of girls with names that are variations of Bella around these days. But Sybella at least makes a distinctive member of the genre.
- Sylvie
Origin:
French variation of Latin SylviaMeaning:
"from the forest"Description:
Although Sylvia seems to be having somewhat of a revival among trendsetting baby namers, we'd still opt for the even gentler and more unusual Sylvie. Despite being dated in its native France (where it was popular during the 1950s and 60s), in English-speaking regions it still feels fresh and international without being unfamiliar and has a cosmopolitan, international air. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016.