Sage is a unisex given name of English origin. It comes from the Middle English word "sagge," which means wise or prudent. The name Sage has been used in literature for centuries, with notable examples including Thomas Dekker's play "The Honest Whore" (1604) and Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre" (1847).
The meaning of the name Sage has led to its association with wisdom and intelligence. This connection may have contributed to its popularity among parents who wish to bestow their child with a name that carries positive connotations.
In recent years, Sage has become more popular as a given name for both boys and girls. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Sage first appeared on the list of most popular baby names in 2003, and it has remained relatively steady since then. In 2019, Sage ranked #846 for boys and #745 for girls.
Overall, Sage is a unique and meaningful given name that carries connotations of wisdom and intelligence. Its English origins and literary history add to its appeal as an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The given statistics illustrate the changing popularity of the name Sage over time in the United States. The name first gained traction in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a notable increase in births occurring around this period.
From 1963 to 1982, there were fewer than 50 births per year on average for the name Sage. However, starting from 1983, there was a gradual increase in its popularity, with more than 50 births recorded annually until the late 1990s.
The peak of popularity for the name Sage occurred between the years 2017 and 2022. During this timeframe, over 1,000 births were registered each year, with a record-breaking number of 2,010 births reported in 2022 alone. This indicates that the name Sage has become increasingly popular among parents choosing names for their newborn babies.
In total, from 1963 to 2023, there have been 26,575 births recorded with the name Sage in the United States. This figure illustrates the enduring popularity of this name over several decades and its continuous appeal among American parents.