Sidney
How to say it: SID-nee · /ˈsɪdni/
From an English surname, possibly from 'Saint-Denis' in France or Old English meaning 'wide island'.
Sidney was the 332nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 251 babies of either sex (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are down about 69% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #479 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #332 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 (both sexes) | 251 |
| Share of births | 1 in 3,342 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | −69% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #479 |
| In France, 2025 | #999 among girls’ names, 15 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Early strength in the 1910s gave way to a long fade, leaving Sidney far below its peak. The next few years are likely to see it slip further.
What goes with it
Sharp at the start and breathy through the finish, it feels relaxed with a hint of place. Frankie makes a lively counterpart, as does Billie.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Sidney is about 1 in 140.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English, French.
In France: #999 for girls in 2025.
England and Wales: #204.
Famous people named Sidney
- Sidney Poitier (1927–2022)Bahamian and American actor and diplomat
- Sidney Lumet (1924–2011)American director, producer and screenwriter
- Sidney Powell (born 1955)American attorney and conspiracy theorist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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