What does Sarah mean and where does it come from?
Sarah is a name of Hebrew origin, spelled as שָׂרָה. It means 'princess' or 'noblewoman'. In the Bible, Sarah is the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, giving the name significant historical and religious importance. It has been a popular name in many cultures, particularly in the United States, w
Cultural significance
Sarah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of princess.
Peak popularity
Reached #3 in 1993 — currently #91 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Sarah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Sarah?
Sarah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Sarah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Sarah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sarah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sarah Claire
French influence · crisp
Sarah Jane
Literary · strong
Sarah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sarah right now?
Holding steady — currently #91 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #91 | 2,767 | ▲ up 4 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #95 | 2,805 | ▼ down 4 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #91 | 2,862 | ▼ down 4 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #87 | 3,025 | ▼ down 30 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #57 | 4,521 | ▼ down 30 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #27 | 6,328 | ▼ down 12 · -45% births |
| 2005 | #15 | 11,532 | ▼ down 10 · -35% births |
| 2000 | #5 | 17,702 | stable · -17% births |
| 1995 | #5 | 21,383 | ▲ up 1 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #6 | 25,817 | ▼ down 1 · +4% births |
| 1985 | #5 | 24,882 | stable · -3% births |
| 1980 | #5 | 25,755 | ▲ up 12 · +131% births |
| 1975 | #17 | 11,171 | ▲ up 48 · +99% births |
| 1970 | #65 | 5,616 | ▲ up 27 · +38% births |
| 1965 | #92 | 4,057 | — |
The story of Sarah
Sarah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #3 in 1993, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1087K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Sarah is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Sarah in 1993:
Sarah by decade
Sarah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 14,746 | |
| 1890s | 17,219 | |
| 1900s | 17,386 | |
| 1910s | 38,244 | |
| 1920s | 46,993 | |
| 1930s | 36,747 | |
| 1940s | 40,123 | |
| 1950s | 40,082 | |
| 1960s | 44,055 | |
| 1970s | 119,269 | |
| 1980s ★ | 273,732 | |
| 1990s | 224,694 | |
| 2000s | 124,583 | |
| 2010s | 46,500 | |
| 2020s | 3,033 | |
What are good nicknames for Sarah?
ENGLISH
SadieSalSallieSallySarina
Famous people named Sarah
S(
Sarah (historical figure)
Sarah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
S(
Sarah (historical community leader)
Sarah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
S(
Sarah (historical figure)
Sarah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Sarah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sarah also consider these
How is Sarah written in other languages?
שָׂרָה
Hebrew), سارة (Arabic
Common questions about the name Sarah
What does the name Sarah mean?
Sarah 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 Sarah?
Sarah is currently ranked #91 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Sarah?
Sarah 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.
How do you pronounce the name Sarah?
Sarah is a two-syllable name pronounced S EH1 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Sarah more of a girl or boy name?
Sarah is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.