Saoirse
Girl name · 349 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Saoirse: 349 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 29 births in 2021.
Saoirse, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "freedom" or "liberty," first rose to prominence in 1920s Ireland as a patriotic choice after independence. The most famous bearer today is the acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan, known for her roles in *Lady Bird* and *Little Women*, who has brought the name international recognition. While not derived from any specific place, its meaning echoes through the Scottish Gaelic word *saorsa*, linking it to the same Celtic root. Though often mispronounced as "say-OR-sha," the correct sound is "SUR-sha" or "SEER-sha," a detail many parents appreciate. This name has steadily gained popularity in Scotland since the 1990s, reflecting a warm embrace of Gaelic heritage across the water.
Girl 27 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 202129 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #17823 babies
- Total births
- 349since 1997
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y