Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Sierra

The name Sierra is the Spanish term for a mountain range, coming from the Latin word “serra” meaning ‘saw, jagged’ signifying their saw-toothed appearance. Sierra developed as a female given name in the United States, most notably in reference to the Sierra Nevada mountain range that straddles the California-Nevada borders and extends from California’s Central Valley 400 miles north to the Mount Shasta area. This magnificent mountain range features some of the most beautiful areas known on earth, including Yosemite Valley, Mt. Whitney and Lake Tahoe. The literal translation is ‘snowy mountains,’ from the Spanish “sierra” (a range of hills) and “nevado” meaning ‘snowy’ given the large amount of snowfall received by the range many months out of the year. Ironically, the name Sierra became popular first in the southern states (where there are hills rather than mountains) before gaining more widespread use in the west where the actual Sierra Nevadas are located.

All About the Baby Name – Sierra

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME SIERRA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME SIERRA

The name Sierra made her first appearance on the U.S. popularity charts in 1978. The name made a substantial 500 position jump on the charts in one single year (1985); although it’s not clear what may have influenced this sudden popularity. By 1993, Sierra was a Top 100 choice among American parents, a position she would hold for a little more than 10 years. Sierra fell off the Top 100 list in 2005, departing from the list as quickly as she came. This was a trendy name of the 1990s in particular, probably a favorite among the outdoorsy set. Some believe the sudden popularity of Sierra was helped influenced by Savannah and Sienna, similar sounding place names which also became fashionable. Sierra, Canyon, Echo…we picture all of these little girls with Subaru-driving, Labrador dog-owning, cross-country-skiing, tent-camping, extreme-hiking parents. Let’s face it, Sierra is a cool name for nature lovers.

Quick Facts

ON SIERRA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

347

PRONUNCIATION:

see-AIR-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Mountain range

Characteristics

OF SIERRA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Sierra

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SIERRA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Sierra

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SIERRA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Sierra


Popular Songs

ON SIERRA

Sierra Sue
a song by Bing Crosby

Sierra
a song by Cursive

High Sierra
a song by Linda Ronstadt

Diamonds From Sierra Leone
a song by Kanye West

Famous People

NAMED SIERRA

Sierra Boggess (actress/singer)
Sierra Noble (singer/songwriter)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SIERRA

Brooke Burke;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SIERRA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Sierra