Savannah

Girl Name
Pronunciation:/səˈvæ.nə/

Savannah: 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 Savannah 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 Savannah

Quick facts about Savannah
OriginNative American (Arawakan, Arawak)
GenderGirl name
PopularityUncommon

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 Savannah

Savannah is pronounced /səˈvæ.nə/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

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

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

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

englishspanishwelsh
Frequently Asked Questions About Savannah
What does the name Savannah mean?
Savannah 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 Savannah 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. Savannah offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices.
What is the origin of the name Savannah?
Savannah is a native american (arawakan, arawak) name. The name traces back to zabana. From its native american (arawakan, arawak) roots, Savannah spread to become common in english, spanish, welsh. 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.
Is Savannah a boy or girl name?
Savannah 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, Savannah 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 Savannah?
Savannah is pronounced "/səˈvæ.nə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Savannah is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, spanish, welsh, 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 Savannah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name.
How popular is the name Savannah?
Savannah is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Savannah gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Savannah'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, Savannah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Savannah commonly used?
Savannah is common in english and spanish and welsh naming traditions. Though native american (arawakan, arawak) in origin, Savannah found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Savannah, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. 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 Savannah into their naming traditions. A child named Savannah 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, Savannah 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.

Similar Names

Explore More Names