While it defined a generation in the 1980s and 90s, Sarah has transitioned from a trendy blockbuster to a vintage staple. It offers parents a “safe” choice that doesn’t sacrifice substance. It is a name with deep roots, recognized in nearly every corner of the globe.
Verdict: Sarah is the perfect choice for parents seeking a name that will never date. While it is no longer in the Top 10, this is actually a benefit for a baby born in 2025; she gets the history and beauty of the name without being one of three Sarahs in her kindergarten class.
Sarah Overview
- Meaning: The name means “princess” or “noblewoman.”
- Gender: Sarah is traditionally used as a girl’s name. It is rare for boys to use the name Sarah.
- Origin: The name Sarah is of ancient Hebrew origin.
- Pronunciation: Sarah is a short name most commonly pronounced “SEH-ruh.”
- Popularity: Since the early 1900s, Sarah has consistently ranked within the top 200 most popular girl names in the United States. It was 92nd for newborn girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: Sadie, Sally, Sarai, Seira, Selah, Serena, Shiloh.
- Variations: Capa, Hara, Kala, Sara, Sára, Sare, Saara, Sorcha, Zara.
- Namesakes: Sarah, Sarah Bareilles, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Michelle Geller, and Sarah Silverman.
What Does Sarah Mean?
The name Sarah is widely known to mean “princess” or “noblewoman,” but the etymology offers a richer story than simple royalty. Derived from the Hebrew word sarah, it indicates a woman of high rank or authority. It is the feminine form of Sar, meaning “chieftain” or “prince.”
However, to understand the full depth, one must look at the biblical transition. The matriarch was originally named Sarai, which is often translated as “my princess” or, interestingly, “quarrelsome.” When her name was divinely changed to Sarah, the meaning shifted from a specific, possessive title (“my princess”) to a universal one: “Princess of the multitude.”
In addition to its Hebrew roots, Sarah is a significant name in Arabic culture. In Arabic, the name (often spelled Sara) implies “joy” or “delight,” adding a layer of happiness to the title of nobility (1).
Where Does the Name Sarah Come From?
Sarah is one of the oldest and most enduring names in the Western world, originating in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
The first recorded use is found in the Book of Genesis. Sarah is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. She is a central figure in Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) and is celebrated for her beauty and her faith, having given birth at the miraculous age of 90. Because she is considered the “mother of nations,” the name became a staple in Jewish communities for millennia.
Following the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, the name moved into the general English-speaking population, where it has remained a favorite ever since.
How Popular Is the Name Sarah?
If you grew up in the 1980s or 1990s, you likely knew a half-dozen Sarahs. According to Social Security Administration data, Sarah was a powerhouse during the late 20th century. It ranked in the Top 10 for US girls from 1978 all the way through 2002. At its absolute peak in 1993, it was the 3rd most popular girl name in America (2).
However, in 2025, the narrative has shifted. Sarah has slowly cooled off, exiting the Top 100 recently. It has transitioned from a “trendy hit” to a “timeless classic.” It is no longer ubiquitous in nurseries, which makes it a fantastic “under-the-radar” classic for modern parents. It is distinct from the fleeting trends of today, sitting comfortably alongside names like Elizabeth and Katherine.
How Do I Pronounce Sarah?
In the United States, the standard pronunciation is SEH-ruh (rhyming with “fair-uh”).
In the UK and parts of Europe, you may hear it pronounced slightly differently, with a sharper first vowel: SAH-rah (where the first syllable rhymes with “car”). Both are correct, though the former is the dominant standard in North America.
Is Sarah a Boy or Girl Name?
Sarah is, and has historically been, a strictly feminine name. It is synonymous with womanhood and matriarchy due to its biblical origins. While modern naming trends often see gender-swapping, Sarah has remained firmly in the “girl” category.
Variations of Sarah
Because it is a cornerstone name in multiple major religions, Sarah has morphed into beautiful local forms across the globe.
- Sara: The streamlined version used in Spanish, Italian, and Scandinavian countries.
- Zara: An Arabic and English variation that adds a modern “z” flair.
- Sarai: The original biblical Hebrew form.
- Sorcha: The Irish and Scottish Gaelic equivalent (meaning “bright/shining” but often Anglicized as Sarah).
- Sára: The Hungarian and Czech spelling.
- Kala: The Hawaiian variation.
- Sari: A Finnish diminutive that stands on its own.
- Saara: The Estonian and Finnish spelling.
Nicknames for Sarah
Sarah is short enough to require no shortening, but it lends itself to some charming nicknames.
- Sadie: Originally a nickname for Sarah, this has become a massive hit on its own as a vintage revival name.
- Sally: Before it was a standalone name, Sally was the standard pet name for Sarah in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Sal: A snappy, tomboyish option.
- Sare-Bear: A common affectionate term for children.
- Sazzo: A rare, energetic nickname for a spunky child.
- Sera: A soft, romantic shortening.
Names Similar to Sarah
If you love the vibe of Sarah, classic, biblical, and gentle, but want something slightly different, consider these alternatives:
- Hannah: Like Sarah, this is a soft, biblical palindrome that feels timeless.
- Leah: Another major biblical matriarch with a simple, airy sound.
- Alice: Shares the “noble” meaning and the classic storybook feel.
- Norah: Has a similar ending sound but feels slightly more modern.
- Clara: A vintage name that mimics the rhythm of Sarah.
- Rachel: Sarah’s stylistic sister from the 90s and the Bible.
- Emma: A top-tier classic that shares Sarah’s universal appeal.
- Julia: An ancient Roman name that feels just as contemporary as Sarah.
Middle Names for Sarah
Because Sarah is a two-syllable name with the emphasis on the first syllable, it is arguably the most versatile first name for pairing. It works with almost anything.
Classic & Elegant
Nature-Inspired & Modern
Short & Snappy
Sibling Names for Sarah
Sarah anchors a sib-set. It tells the world that you value tradition and substance.
For a Brother
- James: The ultimate classic male pairing for Sarah.
- David: A beloved biblical king to match a princess.
- Thomas: Solid, traditional, and friendly.
- William: Shares the royal lineage vibe.
- Samuel: Offers the matching “S” initial without being too matchy-matchy.
For a Sister
- Emily: Both were massive hits in the 90s and remain beloved.
- Charlotte: A current favorite that shares Sarah’s elegant femininity.
- Rebecca: Stylistically identical; biblical, strong, and classic.
- Anna: Short, sweet, and perfectly balanced with Sarah.
- Lucy: A slightly lighter, more playful option that sounds great with Sarah.
Famous People Named Sarah
The list of famous Sarahs is exhaustive, covering royalty, Hollywood, and politics.
- Sarah Bernhardt: A French stage actress from the late 19th century, often called the most famous actress the world has ever known.
- Sarah Jessica Parker: American actress and fashion icon, best known for her role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City.
- Sarah Michelle Gellar: American actress famous for her iconic role as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- Sarah Paulson: An acclaimed, Emmy-winning American actress known for her roles in American Horror Story.
- Sarah Vaughan: “The Divine One,” an American jazz singer and one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century.
- Sarah Ferguson: The Duchess of York and former member of the British Royal Family.
Sarah in Pop Culture
- Sarah Connor: The gritty, resilient heroine of the Terminator franchise, transforming the name from sweet to tough.
- Sarah Williams: The dreamer protagonist played by Jennifer Connelly in the cult classic film Labyrinth.
- Sarah Braverman: A lead character in the hit TV drama Parenthood, portrayed by Lauren Graham.
- Sarah Sanderson: One of the three iconic witches in the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus.
- Sarah Cameron: A lead character in the modern teen drama Outer Banks, introducing the name to a Gen Z audience.
FAQs About the Name Sarah
What is the difference between Sarah and Sarai?
In the Bible, Sarai was the birth name of Abraham’s wife. God changed her name to Sarah in Genesis 17:15. While both names are Hebrew, Sarai means “my princess” (implying a specific quarrelsome nature or restrictiveness), while Sarah means “princess” in a broader, more universal sense (“princess of the multitude”).
Is Sarah considered an old-fashioned name?
Sarah is considered a “timeless classic” rather than old-fashioned. unlike names such as Mildred or Bertha, which feel tied to a specific distant era, Sarah has been in constant use for centuries. While it feels vintage compared to modern inventions like “Everly,” it fits seamlessly into the modern world.
Are there songs about the name Sarah?
Yes, Sarah has inspired countless songwriters. Famous examples include “Sara” by Fleetwood Mac, “Sara Smile” by Hall & Oates, and “Sara” by Starship. The name’s two-syllable rhythm makes it a favorite for lyrics.
Does the name Sarah have an Arabic meaning?
Yes. In Arabic, the name is usually spelled Sara. It is derived from the root word related to happiness and translates to “joy,” “delight,” or “pleasure.” This makes it a popular choice for Muslim families as well.
Is it better to spell it Sarah or Sara?
This depends on your location and preference. “Sarah” (with the h) is the traditional English and Hebrew spelling and is dominant in the US and UK. “Sara” (without the h) is the standard spelling in international usage, particularly in Spanish, Italian, and Scandinavian cultures. If you want the “classic” American look, keep the H; if you want a sleek, international vibe, drop it.
Why Is Sarah Spelled With an ‘H’?
Spelling the name Sarah with an “h” is relatively modern. During the Middle Ages, the name became popular among the French. The French altered the spelling to suit their language and grammar patterns, thus the “h” was added. Many other countries spell Sarah without the letter “h at the end.
Are There Any Lucky Numbers Associated With the Name Sarah?
In Hindu Astrology, the lucky number associated with the name Sarah is the number eight. This number means that people named Sarah are likely to be cunning, practical, loving, and power-seeking.
What Is Sarah the Patron Saint Of?
Sarah is the patron saint of the Romani people. She is known among the Romani as “Sarah the black.” According to legend, Saint Sarah served as the maid to one of the Three Marys (3).
Can Sarah Be a Secular Name?
Sarah has been popular long enough to not be considered a strictly religious name anymore. The original meaning of the name does not tie directly to any religion. It only became associated with religion due to its mention in the Hebrew Bible. Today, Sarah can easily be considered a secular name if you wish to disassociate it with religion.
