San Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'San' has its origins in Chinese culture, with meanings that vary based on the character used. It has evolved through stages of the Chinese language and reflects cultural significance. It is often associated with positive traits such as simplicity and respect. There is no biblical relevance. The name's popularity has increased due to cultural exchange and globalization, and it can be found in various forms and derivatives.
The name San is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, San has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'San' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5314th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6076th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3648th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3270th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3702nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11921st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11534th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4783rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3248th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1627th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2187th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6091st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 20356th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 20969th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'San' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "San"
Pronunciation
/sæn/
Origin
Chinese
Etymology
The name 'San' can be derived from several Chinese characters, each with different meanings. It often means 'three' in Mandarin, but it can also be a common surname or part of given names.
Meaning
three, mountain, or a respectful title depending on the context.
Language Evolution
San (现代汉语), Sān (Classical Chinese), Sān (Mandarin)
Historical Usage
The name 'San' has been used for centuries in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, where it is common in both personal names and surnames. It gained more global recognition through the influence of Chinese culture and diaspora.
Variants & Derivatives
Sang, Sana, Sanny
Modern Popularity & Image
The name 'San' is perceived as simple and elegant, often associated with cultural heritage and respect. It has gained some popularity in Western contexts due to globalization.
Famous People
San Francisco (as in the city name, which is derived from 'Saint Francis'), San Jose (as in the city name)
Explore More San Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "San"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "San"
"San" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5314th of 7545 | 25 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6076th of 6773 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3648th of 7552 | 91 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3270th of 10718 | 157 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3702nd of 16616 | 225 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 11921st of 24088 | 58 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11534th of 23106 | 55 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 4783rd of 9107 | 59 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 3248th of 9204 | 143 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1627th of 12526 | 788 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2187th of 19264 | 609 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6091st of 27321 | 209 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 20356th of 35406 | 38 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 20969th of 30306 | 22 |
Regional Popularity of "San" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
65.30% 1863rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
53.10% 1868th/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
67.60% 3511th/5194 |
30.90% 1952nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "San" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
60.52% 1432nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
49.43% 1163rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
28.11% 802nd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
27.52% 968th/3518 |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
42.70% 2218th/5194 |
100.00% 6317th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "San"
This map shows the relative popularity of "San" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.