Savanna

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/səˈvænə/

Savanna: a female name of Native American (Arawakan, Arawak) origin meaning "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain". It derives from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak) word "zabana".

The name Savanna carries a rich history rooted in Native American (Arawakan, Arawak) culture. Derived from "zabana", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Native American (Arawakan, Arawak)-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Savanna

Quick facts about Savanna
OriginNative American (Arawakan, Arawak)
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

zabana

How to Pronounce Savanna

Savanna is pronounced /səˈvænə/

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Sav-anna
  2. Say it like: "SOOHVANOOH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across english, and spanish speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

englishspanish
Name Relationships

Savanna is a variant form of Savannah, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Savanna
What does the name Savanna mean?
Savanna means "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat.". The name comes from zabana. This native american (arawakan, arawak) name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Savanna for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Savanna's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Savanna?
Savanna is a native american (arawakan, arawak) name. The name traces back to zabana. From its native american (arawakan, arawak) roots, Savanna spread to become common in english, spanish. The native american (arawakan, arawak) meaning "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Savanna developed as a form of Savannah, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Savanna a boy or girl name?
Savanna is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In native american (arawakan, arawak) tradition, Savanna has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Savanna?
Savanna is pronounced "/səˈvænə/". This pronunciation follows na language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Savanna is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, spanish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with native american (arawakan, arawak) names, listening to a native speaker say Savanna can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Savanna?
Savanna is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Savanna offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Savanna's popularity may vary between native american (arawakan, arawak) communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Savanna holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Savanna?
Savanna is a form of Savannah. Over time, Savannah developed into several variations, with Savanna emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In native american (arawakan, arawak) tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Savanna might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In english and spanish, Savanna may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Savanna commonly used?
Savanna is common in english and spanish naming traditions. Though native american (arawakan, arawak) in origin, Savanna found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name comes from the Native American (Arawakan, Arawak), from the Taíno word “zabana,” meaning “from the open plain.” Taíno is the primary language of the Caribbean islands. According to the United States Social Security card applications in 2007, the name Savannah ranked 30th out of the top 100 names chosen by parents for their baby girls. 1) Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and the county seat of Chatham County. Established in 1733, Savannah’s city became the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later Georgia’s first state capital. 2) A Savannah cat is a cross between a domestic cat and the serval, a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Savanna into their naming traditions. A child named Savanna will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Savanna is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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