Savva

Origin

The name Savva is a variation of the Greek name Savvas, derived from the Greek word 'sabbas' meaning 'old man' or 'elder'. It is associated with Saint Sabbas, a notable Christian monk and saint from the 5th century. While not originally Australian, the name has been adopted in multicultural communities across Australia, especially among Greek-Australians. It does not have Indigenous Australian or Māori roots.

Meaning

Literal translation relates to 'elder' or 'wise man'. In the Australian context, it carries connotations of wisdom, tradition, and respect for elders, often appreciated in multicultural and religious communities.

Pronunciation

'sahv-ah' (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the first syllable)./sævːɑː/ in IPA, adapting the Greek pronunciation with Australian vowel sounds.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 5 December (Feast of Saint Sabbas)
• 18 December (Orthodox celebration of Saint Sabbas)
• 26 December (post-Christmas celebrations in some Greek and Orthodox contexts)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with savva:

• Alexander and Sophia
• Elias and Eleni
• Theo and Thalia

Fun Facts

• The name Savva has seen a resurgence among Greek-Australian communities in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
• 'Sabbas' churches and monasteries are found in Greece and the Middle East, reflecting the name's religious significance.
• In Australia, Savva is relatively uncommon but recognized within certain cultural enclaves.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name savva:

• Respectful
• Traditional
• Wise-minded
• Spiritual

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and elegant, with a balanced and symmetrical appearance when written in Latin script. The name's phonetic softness lends it a gentle aesthetic.

Geographical Distribution

Primarily found within Greek communities in Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Less common outside of these ethnic enclaves but recognised nationally among multicultural populations.

Numerological Significance

Name number 7 (based on Pythagorean numerology), often associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking in astrology and numerology.

Astrological Connections

Linked with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Pisces, which are associated with depth, spirituality, and intuition—attributes often linked to the name's historical religious roots.

Historical Context

Saint Sabbas (589–532 AD) was a prominent Christian monk revered in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. In Australia, the name is associated with Greek Orthodox communities and churches named after Saint Sabbas, reflecting its religious heritage.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across many languages, retaining its original form or slight variations, such as Sava in Slavic languages and Sabbas in English contexts for religious references.

Famous People Named savva

• Savva Babiryan (Armenian-Australian artist)
• Saint Sabbas (historical religious figure)
• Savva (character in Greek literature and religious texts)

Popularity in Australia