Sage
Sage: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Sage
Root meaning: “sedge”
- A male given name from English.
- A female given name from English.
Etymology
As an English and French surname, from sage, a nickname for a wise person. The given name, in general use since the 1990s, is also associated with the sage plant. Compare Desage, Lesage. * As an Irish surname, variant of Savage. * As a German surname, from a placename derived from the noun sege (“sedge”) (see sedge).
How popular is Sage?
Since 1880, 30,454 girls and 15,762 boys in the U.S. have been named Sage (66% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #142 in 2023. Its highest rank for boys was #387 in 2022. In 2025 it ranked #160 for girls, with 2,537 babies given the name.
More English unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Sage
Sister and brother names that share Sage's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Sage FAQ
What does the name Sage mean?
Sage traces back to a root meaning "sedge". A male given name from English. A female given name from English. As an English and French surname, from sage, a nickname for a wise person. The given name, in general use since the 1990s, is also associated with the sage plant. Compare Desage, Lesage. * As an Irish surname, variant of Savage. * As a German surname, from a placename derived from the noun sege (“sedge”) (see sedge).
What is the origin of the name Sage?
Sage is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Sage?
Since 1880, 30,454 girls and 15,762 boys in the U.S. have been named Sage (66% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #142 in 2023. Its highest rank for boys was #387 in 2022. In 2025 it ranked #160 for girls, with 2,537 babies given the name.
Is Sage a boy or girl name?
Sage is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (30,454 girls and 15,762 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.