Sarah: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration

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Sarah

The name Sarah is of Hebrew origin and means "princess."

- 1% this year Feminine Common

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Fietz, BA, MFA

| Updated: August 7, 2024

Tara Rhiannon Dawn Fietz, BA, MFA

| Updated: August 7, 2024 Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Sarah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

• Hebrew: Princess
• Arabic: Joy and delight

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Sarah is pronounced sair-uh

The name Sarah is of Hebrew origin and means "princess" or "lady of high rank." This name is mentioned multiple times in the Hebrew Bible and the Quran, making it a significant name in both Jewish and Muslim traditions. Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, is known for her beauty and faith, making her one of the matriarchs of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Girl name variations

Sara Sari Sarri Sary Sarrie Sarene Sarina Sarine Sarita Sairne Sarett Sadie Sadey Zarah Zara Zaria

How Popular Is The Name Sarah

Family name origins & meanings

English: metronymic from the personal name Sara. In the Bible this is the name of the wife of Abraham. According to the Book of Genesis she was originally called Sarai (said to mean "contentious" in Hebrew), but had her name changed by God to the more auspicious Sarah "princess" in token of a greater blessing (Genesis 17:15, "And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be").

Muslim: from an Arabic personal name, Sāra, of Biblical origin, as in above.

Famous people with this first name

Sarah Ferguson Sarah McLaughlin Sarah Palin

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Kiefer Sutherland Marlee Matlin Rod Stewart Andie McDowell Carly Simon James Taylor Katey Sagal

Sarah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

• Sarah Connor from The Terminator series - A resilient survivor who becomes a key figure in the resistance against the machines.
• Sarah Williams from Labyrinth - A teenage girl who journeys through a maze to rescue her younger brother from the Goblin King.
• Sarah Jane Smith from Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures - An investigative journalist and longtime companion of the Doctor who later stars in her own spin-off series.
• Sarah Manning from Orphan Black - One of several identical women who uncover the truth about their origins and the reason they were cloned.
• Sarah“Mac” Mackenzie from JAG - A Marine lawyer and the lead female character in the military drama series.

Popularity of the Name Sarah

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Sarah has been a consistently popular choice for girls in the United States, often appearing within the top 50 names over the past several decades. Its popularity can be attributed to its timeless quality and ease of pronunciation in multiple languages.

Historically, Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," which reflects its enduring appeal. It's found in the Old Testament of the Bible, where Sarah is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, making her a matriarch in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Notable individuals named Sarah include Sarah Bernhardt, a legendary actress from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her dramatic talent and strong personality. In literature, Sarah Waters is a contemporary British author celebrated for her novels set in Victorian society.

In the realm of entertainment, Sarah Jessica Parker is widely recognized for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in the television series Sex and the City. Fictional characters bearing the name have made significant impacts as well, such as Sarah Connor from the Terminator film series, a character celebrated for her strength and resilience.

Where Is the Name Sarah Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Sarah

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

• Sadie (now a name in its own right)
• Sally (also a name in its own right)

Sarah Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

Autumn Jasmine Kelly Kirsten Lena

Appears On

Browse these related baby name lists that feature this name and many, many more!

• Old Testament Girls' Names
• Early American Names
• Pet Names as First Names
• 100 Double Names for Girls, Boys, and Gender-Neutral
• ​Hebrew First Names and Meanings
• 255 Names Inspired by Mythology That Stand the Test of Time

People Who Like the Name Sarah Also Like

Check out these names that are similar, but still unique to your baby.

Anna Catherine Laura Mary Rebecca

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