Alternatives to Savannah
- Marianna
Origin:
Italian, Polish, EnglishMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + grace"Description:
While Marianna looks like a spelling variation of Mariana, the two names have different etymologies. While the one-N spelling derives from the Roman name Marianus, Marianna is a combination of two classics, Maria and Anna, used in many European languages.
- Nola
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"white shoulder"Description:
Nola, a name with a sleek, enigmatic quality, was used for the much-pursued heroine of Spike Lee's 1986 breakout film, She's Gotta Have It, and again by Woody Allen in Match Point. It's a short form of the traditional Irish name Fionnuala. Nola reentered the US Top 1000 in 2008, for the first time in 50 years.
- Osanna
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"praise the Lord; deliver us"Description:
An Italian form of expressive Hosanna, this spiritual name might appeal to those who enjoy nicknames Ozzy or Anna. Borne by a number of saints, including a 15th century Italian mystic, Osanna also appears as Ozana and Osanne in Romania and France respectively. The traditional Hosanna may work better however in English speaking countries if you want the religious expression to be obvious.
- Orleanna
- Peninna
Origin:
Variation of Peninnah, HebrewMeaning:
"pearl, coral, precious gem"Description:
A rare Biblical name that appears in the Old Testament as the name of one of Elkanah's wives (the other being Hannah). Meaning "pearl" or "coral", it makes for an unusual way to nicknames Penny, Pia, and Nina.
- Ravenna
Origin:
Italian place-nameDescription:
Ravenna is a lovely, untouristed Italian place-name just waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its fantastic Byzantine mosaics, it's a city that has a rich historic and artistic heritage.
- Rosanna
Origin:
Combination of Rose and AnnaDescription:
Rose lovers today would probably prefer Rosemary, Rosamund, or even Rose itself, all more stylish variations of the name. Some may associate this form of the name with actress Rosanna Arquette and your mom may think of SNL's Rosanne Rosanna-Danna, though that reference is lost on millennials.
- Salviana
Description:
Salviana is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from 'salvus' meaning 'safe' or 'healthy.' It's likely a feminine form of Salvian or related to the name Sylvana, which refers to the woods or forest. This elegant name carries an air of classical antiquity and botanical connection, as it's also the name of a genus of plants (sage). Salviana offers the appealing nicknames Salvia, Ana, or Viana. Despite its melodic sound and meaningful etymology, Salviana remains quite rare, making it perfect for parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth. The name exudes a timeless, sophisticated quality with its flowing syllables and romantic Latin heritage.
- Samantha
Origin:
Hebrew, feminization of SamuelMeaning:
"told by God"Description:
The origins of Samantha are not entirely clear, although it is commonly thought to be a feminization of Samuel with the suffix derived from the Greek anthos, meaning "flower." Samantha has been in English-speaking use since the eighteenth century, particularly in the American South, and drew attention via Grace Kelly's Tracy Samantha Lord character in High Society, featuring the song "I love you, Samantha."
- Samara
Origin:
Hebrew, ArabicMeaning:
"under God's rule, companion in night conversation"Description:
Alluring and lovely — and much more distinctive now than Samantha or Tamara. Samara is a city in western Russia, a winged seed like the whirlygigs that fall from maple trees, as well as a bona fide first name that could make a more unusual update on Samantha or Mara. It can also be a variant spelling of the Arabic name Samira or Sameera.
- Sana
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"mountaintop, splendid, brilliant"Description:
One of the most easily imported Arabic names.
- Sativa
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If you live in a state where marijuana is legal (or maybe even if you don't), you might know that Sativa is one of the major strains of weed.
- Savauna
Description:
Savauna is a modern feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Savannah. While Savannah refers to the grassy plains ecosystems and the Georgian city, Savauna offers a unique spelling alternative with the same melodic quality. The name has likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as parents sought distinctive versions of popular names. Savauna remains relatively uncommon, appealing to families looking for names that are recognizable yet individual. Its phonetic spelling gives it an exotic flair while maintaining connection to the nature-inspired origins of Savannah. The name carries connotations of natural beauty, open spaces, and a free-spirited character.
- Savilla
Description:
Savilla is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Savilla or Sabilla, which derive from the Latin 'Sabina,' referring to the Sabine people of ancient Italy. Alternatively, it could be connected to names like Savina or Sabine. In some communities, particularly among the Amish and certain Anabaptist groups, Savilla has been used for generations. The name carries a delicate, old-world charm with its soft sounds and rhythmic syllables. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Savilla maintains a consistent presence in certain religious communities and appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth that remains uncommon. Its vintage quality gives it a distinctive elegance in contemporary naming landscapes.
- Savina
Origin:
Italian variation of SabinaDescription:
Saint Savina of Milan gave comfort to prisoners. Her name is a variation of the Latin Sabina, which refers to the Sabine people. Not completely unknown in the US, there were 25 baby girls named Savina last year, and fewer than 100 called Sabina. Savina and Sabina will inevitably be confused with Sabrina, which is much more popular.
- Savita
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"sun, rouser, stimulator"Description:
Lively and bright, Savita is among the most popular Hindi names for girls, and one that could easily immigrate.
- Savvy
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
We call Savvy a Modern Virtue Name, a contemporary version of the Puritan's Hope and Charity, extolling the virtue of shrewdness. And who doesn't want their daughter to grow up to be Savvy in the ways of the world? So far, this name has been used only for girls, perhaps because some parents remember the women's magazine called Savvy.
- Scarlett
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"scarlet, red"Description:
Scarlett Johansson is doing more for this sparky southern name than Scarlett O'Hara ever did. Since the turn of the 21st century, Scarlett has gone from an obscure literary name to one of the most popular girls' names starting with S, right after longtime favorites Sophia and Sofia.
- Sienna
Origin:
Italian color nameMeaning:
"orange red"Description:
Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.
- Sierra
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"saw"Description:
Sierra is a name borrowed from the western mountain range, with Latin rhythm and cowboy charm, that has led to many offshoots: Cierra, Cyara, and so on. It is now probably past its peak but retains its pretty-yet-strong sound. The meaning refers to the sharp, irregular peaks of some of the Western mountains such as the Sierra Nevada.