Like Jemima, today’s choice is one of those names heard from time to time in Europe, but virtually unused in the US. We’re so pleased that Unknown suggested this charming moniker, because we think she deserves some notice on our side of the Atlantic.
Without further ado, here’s today’s Name of the Day: Saskia.
She sounds like she ought to be a variant version of a more familiar name; maybe even a pet form of Alexandra. But Saskia is a formal name in her own right, and her origins are a bit on the violent side. The name appears to mean simply Saxon woman. Dig into the etymology of Saxon, and you find yourself at the point of a knife. The Old English seax and Old German sachs referred to a characteristic short sword or dagger used by the tribe.
Hard to believe such a pretty name came from such an aggressive beginning. And yet, it does give this name a certain edge that choices like Sasha and Sarah lack.
The most famous bearer of the name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, better known as Saskia, the wife and model of legendary painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Today, you’ll find images of the original Saskia hanging in many a museum, and her name remains in steady use among the Dutch.
Saskia is also heard in England and Australia, but in the US, she’s never charted in the Top 1000. We’ve stumbled across British actress Saskia Reeves, Dutch musician Saskia Rao-de Haas and distinguished Columbia University sociology professor Saskia Sassen.
Both SAS kee ah and ZAS kee ah are valid pronunciations, but we’re confident that the “S” sound is the more appropriate choice amongst the English-speaking.
Interestingly, we can’t find a single religious attribution for Saskia. For parents hoping to avoid Biblical choices, saints’ names and appellations with spiritual meanings, this is one of the few that fits.
Saskia makes for a great alternative to the lovely, but oh-so-overused Sophia, and fits in with popular choices like Brianna and Jessica, Isabella and Arianna. Mrs. van Rijn adds some artistic flair to the moniker. It’s that rare find – easily pronounced but seldom heard, feminine and vaguely familiar but without baggage.
I’ve actually know a Saskia. She was born in Germany, but is a US Navy wife now! It’s a really nice name, but I could never use it. It’s too exotic for me and hubby. I can picture younger, hipper mothers than I using it, though.
Them, or maybe immigrants to the US who don’t feel like giving their children Anglicized names.
I know a Saskia too, but it’s her middle name. Her first, Pandora! (My MIL) I think it’s an awesome name and I adore the Rembrandt connection. Actually, if I could name a daughter Pandora Saskia, I would be thrilled to do so but she hates her name, & goes by Sue, I feel a bit funny thinking about it. The problem with my family is that there are no normal names, they’re all odd!
I think Saskia makes an awesome name, short, simpple sounds, easy to spell, crisp, clear and above all, memorable. The lack of obvious nicknames is a bonus for some (not me but I know lots of them). Saskia would definitely stand out nicely in a crowd. As long as her surname isn’t Sachs (I know a few) too, I see absolutely nothing wrong with Saskia! I think it’s gorgeous!
Saskia is pretty awesome. I agree, it’s just about the perfect choice for people who want something different yet easy to wear. everyone else pretty much summed it up, so.
Nice one for today.
& What about Sass as a quick name? – very sassy!
I have a co-worker named Saskia (that’s where I got the name from, hehe). I really love this name; I think it’s fun, quirky and different, yet like you said it fits in nicely with the Arianna’s and Brianna’s. It’s easy to spell and easy to pronouce, and I think Saskia is one sassy name
When I was first introduced to this name, I was dubious. SASKIA? What kind of name is that? I don’t know if I thought it was a recent invention or what, but I have since come around. I like it quite a bit now, and I love its fitting-in-yet-standing-out balance.
And if she didn’t love her name, she could always go by Sassy.
I thought Saskia would be popular – and yes, Sass and Sassy are almost inevitable pet names, and very cute ones, too!
Lola, you are absolutely a star – I swear you know someone by every name in the book!
Read about her in the novel “Sakiad” She thirteen, intelligent, and in my mind Lovely. Perhaps I would find even find her to be Mysteriously beautiful.
I’ve always loved this name. Its so spunky and it does have a particular allure. I love the Z pronunciation. Ultimately, both pronunciations are quite fantastic.