Sage

Pronunciation: [ s-AYJ ]

Boy Name #414 Most Popular Rising 1 Syllable

One syllable, two meanings: wise and earthy

English American

Earthy Minimalist Spiritual Modern

Meaning & Origin

"wise person"

Origin: Old French/Latin

Language: English

"the herb sage"

Origin: Latin

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Predominantly used as a girl's name in the US — some parents may hesitate for a boy

The Story of Sage

Sage derives from the Latin 'salvus' (safe, healthy) via Old French 'sauge,' referring to the herb. The word 'sage' also came to mean a wise person in English, from Old French 'sage' (wise), itself from Latin 'sapere' (to be wise). These two meanings — the aromatic herb and the wisdom archetype — merge beautifully in one compact name.

Sage rose dramatically in the 2010s as parents embraced nature and wellness aesthetics. The sage plant became a cultural touchstone in mindfulness and home-cleansing rituals, and the name rode that wave. It has been used for both boys and girls, but trends slightly more female in the United States.

Sage holds sacred significance in many Indigenous American traditions, where it is burned in smudging ceremonies for purification and spiritual cleansing. In ancient Greek philosophy, sages were the wisest of wise men. The name embodies both natural world connection and intellectual aspiration.

Fun Facts

Sage has been used ceremonially by Indigenous peoples of North America for thousands of years
The Latin root 'salvus' (healthy/safe) also gives us the word 'salvia,' the plant genus
Sage is one of the few single-syllable nature names that works equally as a first and middle name

Sage in Other Languages

French Sage

Italian Saggio

Spanish Sabio

Japanese セージ

Famous People Named Sage

Sage Northcutt

Athlete

1995

American MMA fighter and UFC fighter known as 'Super Sage'

Sage Steele

Entertainer

1972

American television sports anchor and journalist

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 1
Popularity Rank: #414
Total SSA Count: 779
Cultural Origins: English American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Sagan #4480

Pairs Well With

Sage River Sage Elliott Sage Alexander Sage Theodore Sage William Sage James

Sibling Names

Reed Wren Juniper Piper River Briar

Also a Girl Name

Sage is also used as a girl name, ranked #145.

View Sage as a girl name →

Similar Names

Gage Paige Piper Peyton Faigy Sage Payton Saige

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sage

What does the name Sage mean?

"wise person" (from Old French/Latin). "the herb sage" (from Latin). Sage derives from the Latin 'salvus' (safe, healthy) via Old French 'sauge,' referring to the herb. The word 'sage' also came to mean a wise person in English, from Old French 'sage' (wise), itself from Latin 'sapere' (to be wise). These two meanings — the aromatic herb and the wisdom archetype — merge beautifully in one compact name.

What is the origin of the name Sage?

Sage has Old French/Latin, Latin, English, and American origins. In Old French/Latin, it means "wise person". In Latin, it means "the herb sage".

Is Sage a boy or girl name?

Sage is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #414. As a girl name, it is ranked #145. Sage is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Sage?

Sage is pronounced s-AYJ.

How popular is the name Sage?

Sage is currently ranked #414 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are good middle names for Sage?

Popular middle name pairings include Sage River, Sage Elliott, Sage Alexander, Sage Theodore, Sage William, and Sage James.

What are good sibling names for Sage?

Names that pair well with Sage as siblings include Reed, Wren, Juniper, Piper, River, and Briar.

How many syllables does Sage have?

Sage has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Sage a common or rare name?

Sage is a popular name, ranked #414 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Sage

Sage is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "wise person" in Old French/Latin .

Is Sage a boy or girl name? Sage is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #414 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #145. Sage is more commonly used as a girl name.

Sage is currently ranked #414 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Sage has 1 syllable and is pronounced s-AYJ, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Alternative spellings of Sage include Sagan . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.