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Sabrina Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity & Nicknames

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Learn about the name Sabrina, including the meaning, gender, origin, popularity, and more.

Sabrina Overview

  • Meaning: Sabrina means “from the River Severn” in Celtic and “princess” in English.
  • Gender: Sabrina is traditionally given to little girls.
  • Origin: Sabrina is taken from Hafren, a Welsh option given to those dwelling near River Severn. Sabrina is also connected to the Arabic Sabri and the English Sara.
  • Pronunciation: Sabrina is commonly pronounced “suh-BREE-nuh.”
  • Popularity: Sabrina became popular after Audrey Hepburn’s namesake film was released in 1954. Sabrina is well-known in America and Europe, where it consistently ranks among the top 100 names for girls.
  • Nicknames: Abri, Bree, Breenie, Brina, Ree, Rina, Sab, Sabby, Sav, Savvy.
  • Variations: Sabreen, Sabreena, Sabrinah, Sabrinna, Sabrynna, Sebreena, Sebrina, Sibreena, Zabrina.
  • Namesakes: Sabrina Carpenter, American singer and actress. Sabrina Thauvin, French illustrator. Sabrina Vega, American Olympic gymnast.

What Does Sabrina Mean?

Sabrina is a multicultural pick with plenty of history. In Welsh, Sabrina means “from the River Severn,” taken from Hafren. Arabic culture connects Sabrina to Sabri, meaning “patience.” Sabrina can also mean “princess” in English, as it’s connected to Sara and “from the border” in Italian. Parents flock to Sabrina because of its flexibility and beauty. With various interpretations, Sabrina is perfect for the girl who can’t sit still.

What Is the Origin of the Name Sabrina?

Sabrina has roots in Welsh, Arabic, British, and Italian culture but is most commonly connected to Welsh mythology. Sabrina initially referred to those dwelling near the River Severn, named after a fictional princess. As the tale goes, King Locrine’s daughter drowned in the River Severn, and her ghost dwells there today. The mythical Sabrina is often depicted riding dolphins or luring sailors to their graves.

How Popular Is the Name Sabrina?

Sabrina is prevalent in America and Europe, taking off in the 19th-century. Following the release of Audrey Hepburn’s namesake film, Sabrina landed on American name charts in 1954. Sabrina peaked in the U.S. in 1997, ranking among the top 53 names for girls.

Sabrina isn’t just an American classic, though. Sabrina has been among the top 50 names for girls in France, Germany, and Italy. With limitless namesakes and pop culture references, Sabrina is bound to remain in style for years to come.

How Do I Pronounce Sabrina?

Sabrina is pronounced “suh-BREE-nuh” worldwide.

Is Sabrina a Boy or Girl Name?

Sabrina is traditionally a girl’s name, with the male variation being Severn.

Variations of Sabrina

Check out these adorable variations of Sabrina.

  • Sabreen (Celtic)
  • Sabreena (Celtic)
  • Sabrinah (Celtic)
  • Sabrinna (Celtic)
  • Sabrynna (Celtic)
  • Sebreena (Celtic)
  • Sebrina (Celtic)
  • Sibreena (Celtic)
  • Zabrina (Celtic)

Nicknames for Sabrina

Try one of these cool Sabrina nicknames.

  • Abri
  • Bree
  • Breenie
  • Brina
  • Ree
  • Rina
  • Sab
  • Sabby
  • Sav
  • Savvy

Similar Names to Sabrina

Take a peek at these names, similar to Sabrina in pronunciation, meaning, and origin.

Middle Names for Sabrina

These middle names for Sabrina are the cream of the crop.

Sibling Names for Sabrina

These sibling names for Sabrina are meant to be.

Famous People Named Sabrina

Learn about famous Sabrina namesakes.

  • Sabrina Benaim: Canadian writer and poet.
  • Sabrina Brier: American actress and comedian.
  • Sabrina Carpenter: American actress and singer.
  • Sabrina Dornhoefer: American professional runner.
  • Sabrina Erdely: American journalist.
  • Sabrina Ferilli: Italian actress.
  • Sabrina Le Beauf: American actress.
  • Sabrina Thauvin: French illustrator.
  • Sabrina Vega: American Olympic gymnast.

Sabrina in Popular Culture

Keep an eye out for these references to Sabrina in pop culture.

  • Sabrina: Featured in Celtic mythology as a sea nymph.
  • Sabrina: Gym leader in the “Pokemon” franchise.
  • Sabrina: Character in “The Flying Ship” comic.
  • Sabrina Duncan: Featured in the soap opera “General Hospital.”
  • Sabrina Fairchild: Leading character in the hit film “Sabrina.”
  • Sabrina Grimm: Featured in Michael Buckley’s “Sisters Grimm” books.
  • Sabrina Santiago: Minor character in television’s “General Hospital.”
  • Sabrina Spellman: Main character in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch.”

Sabrina FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sabrina.

Is Sabrina a Rare Name?

Sabrina may sound exotic, but it’s far from rare. Sabrina is well-known in America, where it consistently ranks among the top 500 names for girls. You’ll also find Sabrina in Europe, where it’s particularly prevalent in France, Germany, and Italy. It’s hard to tell what makes Sabrina so popular, but we suspect a combination of folklore and pop culture references played a part.

What Does Sabrina Mean Spiritually?

Sabrina will have deep spiritual meaning to fans of mythology. In folklore, the goddess Sabrina ruled the veil between the Underworld and Earth. Many see Sabrina as a reminder of how connected the mortal world is to the spiritual world. Sabrina is also connected to Sarah, a biblical name meaning “princess,” borne by the wife of Abraham. The biblical Sarah is known for her faith in the seemingly impossible, giving birth to Isaac in later years. Christians may view Sabrina as a reminder to trust God’s promises.

Is Sabrina a Goddess Name?

Sabrina is a resilient goddess featured in Welsh mythology and folklore. Sabrina is often depicted as a sea siren who haunts the river where she drowned. Bibliophiles view Sabrina as an icon of feminism, breaking free from patriarchy. Sabrina is a great option for parents who love goddess names but want something different from Diana.

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About the Author

Cate Hoepner

Cate Hoepner is a professional blogger and freelance writer of seven years. Before transitioning into a writing role, she worked in finance and customer service. Cate enjoys DIY projects, old movies, music, and a good cup of coffee. In her free time, you'll find her homeschooling her three kids, crafting her dream homestead, and reading anything she can get her hands on.