"flat tropical grassland"
Origin: Taíno via Spanish
Language: English
Savanna
Pronunciation: [ s-uhv-AN-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,005 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Named for vast golden plains — wild, warm, and free
American
English
Spanish
Earthy
Modern
Playful
Bold
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"open plain"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
The Story of Savanna
Savanna (also spelled Savannah) derives from the Spanish 'sabana,' which itself came from the Taíno word 'zabana,' meaning an open flat plain. Spanish explorers encountered vast tropical grasslands in the Americas and Caribbean and adopted the indigenous word. The city of Savannah, Georgia, founded in 1733, is the most famous American bearer of the name and helped popularize Savanna as a girl's name throughout the 20th century.
Savannah cracked the US top 100 in the 1990s and remained there for two decades. The Savanna spelling is a simpler alternative that has gained traction as parents seek nature-inspired names. Both versions are associated with the American South and outdoor beauty.
Savannah, Georgia, one of America's most beautiful and historic cities, has given this name a distinctly Southern American association — evoking moss-covered oaks, warm evenings, and gracious hospitality. In ecology, savanna biomes are among the world's most biodiverse landscapes.
Fun Facts
- The word savanna entered English from Spanish, which borrowed it from the Taíno people of the Caribbean
- Savannah, Georgia, laid out in 1733, is one of America's first planned cities
- African savannas support more large mammals than any other ecosystem on Earth
Savanna in Other Languages
French
Savane
Italian
Savana
Spanish
Savana
Japanese
サバンナ
Portuguese
Savana
Famous People Named Savanna
S
Savannah Chrisley
Entertainer
1997
American television personality known for the reality show Chrisley Knows Best
S
Savannah Guthrie
Entertainer
1971
American broadcast journalist and co-anchor of NBC's Today show
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,005
- Total SSA Count
- 254
- Cultural Origins
- American English Spanish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Savi
Van
Vanna
Pairs Well With
Savanna Grace
Savanna Rose
Savanna Mae
Savanna Jade
Savanna Leigh
Savanna Kay
Savanna Belle
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Savanna is also used as a boy name, ranked #8436.
View Savanna as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Savanna
What does the name Savanna mean?
"flat tropical grassland" (from Taíno via Spanish). "open plain" (from Spanish). Savanna (also spelled Savannah) derives from the Spanish 'sabana,' which itself came from the Taíno word 'zabana,' meaning an open flat plain. Spanish explorers encountered vast tropical grasslands in the Americas and Caribbean and adopted the indigenous word. The city of Savannah, Georgia, founded in 1733, is the most famous American bearer of the name and helped popularize Savanna as a girl's name throughout the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Savanna?
Savanna has Taíno via Spanish, Spanish, American, and English origins. In Taíno via Spanish, it means "flat tropical grassland". In Spanish, it means "open plain".
Is Savanna a boy or girl name?
Savanna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1005. As a boy name, it is ranked #8436. Savanna is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Savanna?
Savanna is pronounced s-uhv-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Savanna?
Savanna is currently ranked #1005 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Savanna?
Common nicknames for Savanna include Savi, Van, and Vanna.
What are good middle names for Savanna?
Popular middle name pairings include Savanna Grace, Savanna Rose, Savanna Mae, Savanna Jade, Savanna Leigh, Savanna Kay, and Savanna Belle.
What are good sibling names for Savanna?
Names that pair well with Savanna as siblings include Dakota, Sierra, Willow, River, Hunter, Aspen, and Reed.
How many syllables does Savanna have?
Savanna has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Savanna a common or rare name?
Savanna is an uncommon name, ranked #1005 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Savanna
Savanna is a girl name with American, English, and Spanish origins . The name means "flat tropical grassland" in Taíno via Spanish .
Is Savanna a boy or girl name? Savanna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,005 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #8,436. Savanna is more commonly used as a girl name.
Savanna is currently ranked #1,005 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Savanna has 3 syllables and is pronounced s-uhv-AN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Savanna include Savi, Van, and Vanna. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Savanna include Savannah, Savanah, Savani, Savana . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.