Exploring Boy Names That Start With S
S names accounted for 4.76% of recorded boys' births in 2025, slightly above their 4.35% share across 1880 - 2025. Within that share, the historical leaders differ from today's favorites. Steven, Stephen, and Samuel lead this letter by total recorded births, while Sebastian heads the 2025 list.
The historical groups offer several generations of choices. Samuel had an uninterrupted run of at least 100 years in the U.S. top 100, and Steven had a run lasting 50 - 99 years. Scott, Sean, and Shawn each had runs of 30 - 49 years. More recent top-100 favorites include Silas and Santiago.
If you enjoy a familiar English-word association, explore Sage, Stone, Shepherd, and Sincere. Each suggests a different image or quality, giving you something to consider alongside the name's sound and background.
Fun Facts About Boy Names Starting With S
- How popular is S? In 2025, 81,251 boys were recorded with names beginning with S - 4.76% of the published boys’ name records.
- Then and now: Boy names starting with S accounted for 4.35% of recorded boys' births from 1880 through 2025, compared with 4.76% in 2025.
- All-time favorites: Steven, Stephen, Samuel, Scott, Sean lead this letter by total recorded births from 1880 through 2025.
- Moving up: Srihan, Satya, Sayyid, Symeer, Syreese gained the most ranking positions among S-names recorded in both 2024 and 2025.
- Lasting classics: Samuel each had an uninterrupted run of at least 30 years in the U.S. top 100, still active in 2025.
- Rare finds: Sain, Salter, San, Sanderson, Santigo were each given to just 5-10 boys in 2025.
On this page:
Popular Boy Names That Start With S
These are the most popular boy names starting with S in 2025, ordered by their U.S. popularity rank.
Century-Long Favorite Boy Names That Start With S
These names stayed in the U.S. top 100 for at least 100 consecutive years - a full century of parents choosing them.
Longtime Favorite Boy Names Starting With S
These names held a place in the U.S. top 100 for 50–99 consecutive years, remaining favorites across generations.
Established Favorite Boy Names That Start With S
These names spent 30–49 consecutive years in the U.S. top 100, building a lasting place among familiar favorites.
Rising Favorite Boy Names Starting With S
These names are gaining ground. Their current top-100 run spans fewer than 30 years, and their popularity rank improved in 2025.
Recent Favorite Boy Names That Start With S
These names belong to a newer generation of favorites. Their first and only top-100 run spans fewer than 30 years and continues in 2025.
Past Favorite Boy Names That Start With S
These names had more than one run in the U.S. top 100, but none continues in 2025. Browse favorites from earlier generations.
Unique Boy Names That Start With S
Looking for something less common? Browse uncommon boy names starting with S for more ideas.
Short Boy Names That Start With S
Prefer fewer letters? These short boy names starting with S keep the spelling compact.
Long Boy Names That Start With S
Explore longer boy names starting with S, especially if you enjoy a full name with room for a nickname.
Choosing Your Favorite Boy Name Starting With S
Listen to the opening sound as you compare names. Samuel and Simon begin with an S sound, while Shane and Shawn begin with "sh." Names such as Spencer and Sterling add another consonant. You may find that one beginning works especially well with your last name.
Consider whether you want a longer name with a short everyday form. You might choose Samuel and use Sam, or prefer Sam on its own. If you like Shepherd, think about whether you also enjoy Shep. It helps to like both the full name and the shorter forms you expect to hear.
Finally, compare exact spellings. Silas and Sylas, or Shepherd and Shepard, have separate entries and popularity records. Save the version you prefer, then explore its meaning and history before making your final choice.