Saoirse is an Irish name of considerable charm and unique sound. It originates from the Irish word 'saoirse' which translates to 'freedom'. This name has a long history in Ireland, with its first recorded usage dating back to the 17th century.
The name Saoirse was traditionally given to girls but has also been used for boys occasionally. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a female name, particularly after Irish actress Saoirse Ronan achieved international recognition for her roles in films such as "Lady Bird" and "Little Women".
In Irish culture, the name Saoirse carries significant meaning due to its association with freedom. It is often given to newborns during times of political struggle or change, symbolizing hope for a brighter future.
Today, Saoirse continues to be a popular choice among parents in Ireland and beyond who wish to give their child an unusual yet meaningful name with strong ties to Irish heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Saoirse has seen a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From just five births each year in the early to mid-1990s, the number of babies named Saoirse began to grow steadily from 1998 onwards.
Starting with 22 births in 2000, there was a notable spike in popularity in 2008 with 82 births. This trend continued to rise over the next few years, reaching triple digits for the first time in 2011 with 101 births. The name's popularity continued to climb throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, peaking at 373 births in 2020.
By 2022, there were still a significant number of babies named Saoirse, with 310 births recorded. Although there was a slight decrease to 270 births in 2023, these figures suggest that the name Saoirse remains popular among parents in the United States today.
Looking at the overall total of births for the name Saoirse from 1993 to 2023, we can see a cumulative total of 3596 babies given this name. This demonstrates not only the growing popularity of the name over time but also its enduring appeal among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.