Boy Names That Start With S

Looking for that perfect name for a baby boy can be a joyful yet challenging task, especially if you have a tradition or fondness for names starting with the letter S.

This article explores both popular and unique names that begin with S, providing a range of options to help find the right one for your little boy.

Popular Boy Names That Start With S

Sebastian

Sebastian originates from Latin, meaning “from Sebaste,” a town in present-day Turkey. It also has a Greek meaning, “venerable.”

The name gained popularity after the third-century saint, Saint Sebastian, was martyred. Its usage surged post-Protestant Reformation, especially in medieval Europe. In the United States, Sebastian has been a top choice since the 1990s.

Samuel

Samuel comes from Hebrew and can mean either “name of God” or “God has heard.” The name appears in the Old Testament, where Samuel is a significant figure.

It has been a favorite since the 1800s. Notable people named Samuel include English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Irish writer Samuel Beckett, and American actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Santiago

Santiago is a Spanish name that means “Saint James,” the patron saint of Spain. The name is also shared by many cities, including the capital of Chile. Its cultural richness brings a unique flair to this popular name.

Silas

Silas may be a shortened form of the Roman name Silvanus or the Greek variation of Saul. It appears in the New Testament as a companion to Saint Paul.

The name rose in popularity after the Protestant Reformation and continues to be a popular choice.

Sawyer

Originally an English surname meaning “sawer of wood,” Sawyer evolved into a first name by the 1980s. Its popularity increased significantly after a character named Sawyer appeared on the TV series Lost in 2004.

Steven

Steven is a medieval English variant of Stephen, which means “crown” or “wreath.”

It’s a name often associated with the famous filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The name has consistently been a strong choice for boys.

Simon

Simon is a biblical name found in both the Old and New Testaments. It has Hebrew and Greek origins and means “he has heard.”

Simon became widely used after the Protestant Reformation. While its popularity dipped for a time, it has been gaining favor again.

Spencer

Originally a surname, Spencer means “dispenser of provisions,” coming from the Middle English word spense, meaning “pantry.”

The name became popular after actor Spencer Tracy brought it into the mainstream. It’s also known as the maiden name of Princess Diana.

Stephen

Stephen derives from the Greek name Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “wreath.”

Saint Stephen, regarded as the first Christian martyr, led to the widespread use of the name. Notable Stephens include horror writer Stephen King and physicist Stephen Hawking.

Sean

Sean is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Seán, with variations including Shawn and Shaun.

It rose to popularity outside of Ireland in the mid-20th century. Famous individuals named Sean include actors Sean Connery, Sean Patrick Harris, and Sean Penn.

Well-Known Boy Names Starting With S

Sam

Sam is often used as a nickname for the biblical names Samuel or Samson. However, it has Persian roots and means “dark.” You can choose the origin story that resonates most with you.

Scott

Scott comes from an English and Scottish surname meaning “Gaelic speaker.” This name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s.

Seth

Seth is a Hebrew name that means “placed” or “appointed.” It appears in the Old Testament as the third son of Adam and Eve and the ancestor of Noah.

Notable people named Seth include actors Seth MacFarlane and Seth Rogen.

Shane

Shane is the Anglicized version of the Irish name Seán. It’s more commonly spelled this way in the United Kingdom.

Shawn

Shawn is another Anglicized form of the Irish name Seán.

It’s the most common spelling in the United States and Canada, helped by the fame of Canadian singer Shawn Mendes.

Silvester

Silvester is a Roman name that means “of the forest.” It has been a popular name since the Middle Ages and was used by three popes. Those who like names connected to nature might consider this option.

Sonny

Sonny is a nickname meaning “son,” but it stands well as a given name on its own. It’s both cute and common.

Stanley

Stanley originated as an English surname that means “stone clearing.” It later became a popular first name, with famous bearers like filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.

Stuart

Stuart comes from a Scottish name that originally referred to someone who held the occupation of steward. It means “house” and “guard” and gained popularity due to the royal family, The Stuarts.

It can also be spelled Stewart.

Sullivan

Sullivan comes from the Irish surname Ó Súileabháin, derived from words meaning “eye” and “dark, black.”

Before the 1990s, it was not common in the United States but gained popularity after the release of the animated movie Monsters, Inc.

Unique Boy Names That Start With S

Sandeep

This name is a variation of the Sanskrit name Sandip. It means “blazing” and offers a distinctive touch for your baby boy.

Sandro

Sandro is the Italian and Georgian short form of the name Allesandro, which you might know as Alexander. A famous bearer of this name was the Renaissance painter Sandro Botticelli.

Séamas

Séamas is the Irish form of the name James. The connection becomes clearer when you consider that the Latin original is spelled Iacomus.

Sequoia

Sequoia refers to the tall trees found in California. The name gained popularity through a nineteenth-century Cherokee scholar known as Sequoyah, or George Guess.

Sevastian

Sevastian is a rare and unique Russian version of the name Sebastian. It adds a different flair to this classic name.

Shahjahan

This Persian name means “king of the world.” This powerful name was also borne by a seventeenth-century Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal.

Shankara

In Sanskrit, this name means “auspicious, lucky” and “maker.” It is also an epithet for the Hindu god Shiva.

Shenandoah

This Indigenous American name, from the Oneida Nation, is a variant of the name Skenandoa and translates to “deer.”

It is also the name of a tributary of the Potomac River, which runs through Virginia and West Virginia.

Sigmund

A name that means “victory” and “protector” in German, English, and Old Norse. Notably, the name was borne by the Austrian psychologist Sigmund Freud.

Stoyan

In Bulgarian, this unique name means “to stand” or “to stay.” It provides a strong, meaningful choice for a baby boy’s name.

Biblical Boy Names That Start With S

Salah

Salah is a name from the Old Testament. It is a form of the name Shelach and carries the meaning “plant shoot, sprout” in Hebrew. This name has a sweet and nature-inspired feel to it.

Salem

Salem originates from the biblical town Shalem and means “complete, safe, peaceful” in Hebrew. It is well-known globally due to places like the famous town in Massachusetts. This name can be a unique choice for a boy.

Samson

Samson comes from the Hebrew word shemesh, meaning “sun.” Known as a hero in the Old Testament, Samson was blessed with superhuman strength by God.

Despite his tragic end, this name stands for strength.

Sargon

Sargon has Hebrew origins and is derived from the Akkadian name Sharru-ukin, which means “true/legitimate king.”

Historical figures with this name include the first king of the Akkadian Empire and the Assyrian king, Sargon II.

Saul

Saul is from the Hebrew name Sha’ul, meaning “asked for, prayed for.” He was the first king of Israel in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Saul is also the original Hebrew name of the apostle Paul.

Shemaiah

In Hebrew, Shemaiah means “heard by Yahweh.” Several people in the Old Testament carried this name, including a prophet.

Shiloh

Shiloh is derived from a place mentioned in the Old Testament and means “tranquil” in Hebrew.

The name is often associated with a person believed to be the Messiah. A modern famous Shiloh is the child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

Silvanus

Silvanus was the name of the Roman god of forests. The name comes from the Latin word silva, which means forest.

Simeon

Simeon is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Shim’on, meaning “he has heard.”

In the Bible, Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah and one of the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Solomon

Solomon originates from the Jewish word shalom, meaning peace. He was a king of Israel known for his wisdom and wealth, as told in the Old Testament.

Cool Boy Names That Start With S

Sanjay

This modern form of the Sanskrit name Sanjaya means “completely victorious” or “triumphant.”

It’s also the name of a character in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. American neurosurgeon and TV personality Sanjay Gupta is a well-known figure with this name.

Shaquille

Shaquille, a variant of the Arabic name Shakil, means “handsome.”

American basketball player Shaquille O’Neal made this name famous. There’s a strong cool factor in this name starting with an S.

Shelby

Likely based on the name Selby, which translates to “willow farm” in Old Norse, Shelby is a unisex name.

Traditionally, it has been used more for girls, but it makes a unique choice for boys too.

Shepherd

This name is an occupational moniker that means “sheepherder.” It’s an excellent choice if your ancestors were herders or if you just like the rustic feel of the name.

Sidney

Sidney is a unisex name derived from a surname that means “wide island” in Old English.

Generally, Sidney is used more for boys, whereas Sydney is more common for girls.

Skyler

Skyler originates from the Dutch name Schuyler, which means “scholar.” It’s considered gender-neutral, but Skyler is typically used for boys, while Skylar is used for girls.

Slade

Slade began as a surname in Old English that meant “valley.” It’s a very cool name for a boy, especially if you have a love for nature.

Sondre

With roots in Old Norse, Sondre likely comes from the word sunn, meaning “south.” This Norwegian name has a unique and cool ring to it.

Sparrow

Coming from the Old English word spearwa for the bird, Sparrow could be a particularly cool name for your child. If you’re a family of bird lovers or fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean films, this name might especially appeal to you.

Spike

Often used as a nickname for boys with spiky hair, Spike also works well as an edgy standalone name.

International S Names for Boys

Salvador

Salvador has origins in Portugal, Spain, and Catalonia. It comes from the Latin name Salvator, meaning “savior.” The name references Jesus Christ. Salvador Dalí, the famous Spanish surrealist painter, is a well-known figure with this name.

Salvatore

Salvatore is the Italian variant of Salvador. Like Salvador, it traces back to the Latin name Salvator. This version is popular in Italy and among Italian-speaking communities.

Santana

Santana began as a surname and originates from a place name associated with Saint Anna. A notable Santana is Carlos Santana, the Mexican-American guitarist and songwriter.

Santino

Santino is a diminutive form of Santo, an Italian name meaning “saint.” The name derives from the Latin word sanctus. It is a popular choice in Italy and among Italian-Americans.

Sergio

Sergio is common in both Italy and Spain. It originates from the Roman surname Sergius, which means “servant.” This name has been used for generations and remains popular today.

Sharif

The Arabic name Sharif means “eminent” or “virtuous.” Historically, it was a title given to descendants of Muhammad. Omar Sharif, the acclaimed Egyptian actor, made this name widely known.

Shingo

Shingo is a Japanese name with different meanings based on the characters used. It can mean “real, genuine” or “prudent, careful.” The name reflects depth and cultural heritage.

Shiva

In Sanskrit, Shiva means “benign, kind, auspicious.” It is the name of the Hindu deity associated with destruction and restoration. Despite his fearsome reputation, Shiva is also seen as a gentle being in Hindu tradition.

Soren

Soren, also spelled Søren, is a Danish name derived from Severinus and Severus, Latin names meaning “stern.” A notable Soren is the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Stefan

Stefan is a variation of Stephen used in German, Dutch, Polish, Swedish, and Serbian, among other languages. This name has been widely adopted in various cultures and remains a popular choice for boys.

Cute Boy Names That Start With S

Salim

In Arabic, this boys’ name means “safe, sound, intact.” It comes from the word salima, which means “to be safe.” The name is both cute-sounding and has a very wholesome meaning.

Salvio

This is the Italian form of the Latin name Salvius, which means “safe.” Several early saints used the Latin name.

Sammy

This cute diminutive of Samuel or Samson has biblical roots in Hebrew and means either “God’s name” or “God has heard.” It’s hard not to think of singer and comedian Sammy Davis, Jr. when you hear this cute boys’ name.

Samu

This is the shortened version of Samuel in Hungarian, Finnish, and Spanish. Samuel means “name of God” or “God has heard.”

Sander

This is the short form for Alexander in Dutch, Estonian, Danish, and Norwegian. The modern English boys’ names Zander and Xander also share some history with this unique spelling.

Sandy

As a diminutive for both Alexander and Alexandra, Sandy can work for both boys and girls. It’s also used as a name or nickname for someone who has sandy-colored hair, which could be perfect for your sandy-haired little boy.

Selig

As an alternative spelling for the Yiddish name Zelig, Selig has roots in the Hebrew name Asher. All three names mean “happy” or “blessed”—what a great meaning for your lucky little boy.

Sergey

The ancient Roman name Sergius is the originator of this Bulgarian and Russian boys’ name. The name likely means “servant” in Latin. Because of its humble meaning, two saints and four popes used the name.

Seti

This Ancient Egyptian name was used by two pharaohs and means “of Seth,” with Seth referring to the Egyptian god of chaos and the desert. Despite the intense meaning, the name has a cute ring to it.

Simcha

This unisex name simply means “happiness” or “joy” in Hebrew, making it the cutest name for your delightful baby boy.

Strong S Names for Boys

Sage

Sage can refer to the spice or a wise person. It’s a name that resonates with wisdom and vitality.

Sláine

This name has Old Irish roots and means “health” and “safety.” It has been used for both boys and girls, inspired by an Irish high king and a daughter of a king in the eleventh century.

Spartacus

In Latin, Spartacus means “from the city of Sparta.” The most famous Spartacus was a Thracian-born man who led a revolt against the Romans after being enslaved. This name symbolizes courage and resilience.

Stafford

This name comes from the English city of Stafford. In Old English, it means “wharf” or “landing place” and “ford,” referring to a river crossing. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a nature-inspired name.

Stanislav

Used in Slavic languages, Stanislav comes from stani meaning “stand” or “become,” and slava meaning “glory.” It’s a name that’s filled with strength and renown.

Sterling

Originally a Scottish surname, Sterling is also the name of a city. The name means “excellent” in English or “little star” in Old English, referring to sterling silver coins. It’s a name that signifies value and brightness.

Stetson

The meaning of Stetson is unknown, but it brings to mind images of cowboys, thanks to the well-known Western brand. It’s a name that evokes ruggedness and adventure.

Stone

Originally a surname, this name comes from the Old English word stan, meaning stone. It was used to refer to someone living near a prominent stone or a stone craftsman. Stone Phillips, the American TV reporter, is a notable bearer of this name.

Sultan

Sultan is an Arabic name meaning “ruler” or “king.” Though it’s typically a boys’ name, in Turkey it’s also common for girls, making it a versatile option for any child.

Sutton

Sutton began as an English surname, meaning “south town” or “southern farm.”

If you have English heritage or a love for the English countryside, this could be a meaningful choice.