What does Sara mean and where does it come from?
Sara (שָׂרָה) is of Hebrew and Arabic origin, a name that gained prominence from the biblical figure Sarah, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. The name conveys meanings of nobility and joy, symbolizing a prominent status. It is widely used across various cultures and languages. Sara is a commo
Cultural significance
Sara has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of princess.
Peak popularity
Reached #26 in 1981 — currently #188 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Sara?
Sara works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sara Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sara Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sara Claire
French influence · crisp
Sara Jane
Literary · strong
Sara Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sara right now?
Declining — down 10 spots — currently #188 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #188 | 1,599 | ▼ down 10 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #178 | 1,679 | ▲ up 19 · +11% births |
| 2021 | #197 | 1,517 | ▼ down 14 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #183 | 1,565 | ▼ down 21 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #162 | 1,974 | ▼ down 42 · -25% births |
| 2010 | #120 | 2,632 | ▼ down 45 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #75 | 4,280 | ▼ down 18 · -20% births |
| 2000 | #57 | 5,318 | ▼ down 9 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #48 | 6,694 | ▼ down 14 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #34 | 8,976 | ▼ down 4 · -15% births |
| 1985 | #30 | 10,556 | ▼ down 3 · -5% births |
| 1980 | #27 | 11,148 | ▲ up 27 · +117% births |
| 1975 | #54 | 5,131 | ▲ up 72 · +68% births |
| 1970 | #126 | 3,060 | ▲ up 51 · +55% births |
| 1965 | #177 | 1,974 | — |
The story of Sara
Sara has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #26 in 1981. More than 429,278 babies have been named Sara since 1880. Sara is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sara in 1981:
Sara by decade
Sara peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,127 | |
| 1890s | 3,119 | |
| 1900s | 4,215 | |
| 1910s | 15,432 | |
| 1920s | 21,164 | |
| 1930s | 18,366 | |
| 1940s | 20,332 | |
| 1950s | 20,525 | |
| 1960s | 23,104 | |
| 1970s | 57,167 | |
| 1980s ★ | 105,101 | |
| 1990s | 72,302 | |
| 2000s | 44,094 | |
| 2010s | 20,665 | |
| 2020s | 1,565 | |
What are good nicknames for Sara?
ENGLISH
SadieSalSallieSallySarina
Famous people named Sara
S(
Sara (historical community leader)
Sara led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
S(
Sara (historical figure)
Sara bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Sara?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sara also consider these
How is Sara written in other languages?
Macedonian), سارة
Arabic), سارا (Persian
Common questions about the name Sara
What does the name Sara mean?
Sara means "princess" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Sara?
Sara is currently ranked #188 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Sara?
Sara originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Sara more of a girl or boy name?
Sara is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Is Sara a classic or a modern name?
Sara has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.