Saoirse Girl

Popularity: #727 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SEER-sha //ˈsɪərʃə//

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Irish: freedom

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Saoirse originates from the Irish language, derived from the word "saoirse," which translates to "freedom" or "liberty." Its etymological roots can be traced back to Old Irish, where the term was used to convey notions of independence and emancipation. The transition into English occurred through the influence of the Irish language on English-speaking populations, particularly during the periods of significant Irish emigration and cultural exchange in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Historically, the name Saoirse gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly during the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) and the subsequent establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The name became emblematic of the struggle for Irish autonomy and was associated with various cultural and political movements advocating for national identity and self-determination.

While not directly linked to any specific biblical figures or saints, the name's connotations of freedom resonated deeply within the context of Irish nationalism and cultural revival during this era. Culturally, Saoirse embodies ideals of liberation and resistance, making it a symbol of hope and aspiration within Irish heritage.

The name has been celebrated in literature and the arts, often evoking themes of personal and collective freedom. Its enduring significance is reflected in its use in various artistic expressions, including literature and film, where characters named Saoirse often represent strong, independent figures.

The name's association with freedom has contributed to its lasting appeal, resonating with those who value its historical and cultural implications.

Famous people named Saoirse

In this section, you will find notable people named Saoirse. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Saoirse who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Saoirse who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Saoirse Ronan is an actress best known for Atonement, Lady Bird, and Little Women.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson is an actress best known for Derry Girls, The Last Duel, and The Fall.

Fictional characters named Saoirse

The following list of fictional characters named Saoirse is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Saoirse is a fictional character from the animated film Wolfwalkers. She is a young girl who discovers her ability to transform into a wolf and embarks on a journey to protect her forest home.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Saoirse, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

NiamhAislingOrlaCiaraMaeveFiona

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Saoirse was first seen in the United States in 1993.

Saoirse has ranked as high as #1401 nationally, which occurred in 2020, and has been most popular in California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Pennsylvania.

In the past 5 years the name Saoirse has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Saoirse is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Saoirse was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Saoirse.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 222 222
2024 245 245
2023 272 272
2022 312 312
2021 344 344
2020 373 373
2019 334 334
2018 331 331
2017 276 276
2016 278 278
2015 159 159
2014 112 112
2013 80 80
2012 110 110
2011 101 101
2010 72 72
2009 56 56
2008 82 82
2007 38 38
2006 42 42
2005 32 32
2004 31 31
2003 24 24
2002 30 30
2001 26 26
2000 22 22
1999 14 14
1998 16 16
1997 12 12
1996 12 12
1994 5 5
1993 5 5

Top States for Saoirse (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
CA 23
12%
NY 16
8%
MA 15
8%
VA 15
8%
PA 12
6%
TX 10
5%
NJ 9
5%
WA 9
5%
CT 8
4%
IL 7
4%
OR 7
4%
FL 7
4%
OH 7
4%
TN 6
3%
CO 6
3%
NH 6
3%
WI 6
3%
AZ 5
3%
IN 5
3%
MO 5
3%
GA 5
3%
ID 5
3%