Sarah

What does Sarah mean?

Sarah comes from a Hebrew word that means princess. In its original context the name signified a woman of high status and dignity, and that core sense of gentle authority is still central to how the name is understood today.

The tone of Sarah is classic and warm. It feels familiar without being commonplace, carrying calm strength and a timeless sweetness. Parents often choose Sarah for its straightforward, friendly sound and its quiet, dignified associations.

Historical Context

The name Sarah has ancient roots in the Hebrew Bible, where Sarai was the original name of Abraham's wife; it was later changed to Sarah, carrying the meaning princess or noblewoman. As the stories of the Hebrew scriptures spread, the name travelled with them and became common in Jewish, Christian and later Islamic traditions.

Through the Middle Ages and into the modern era Sarah remained in steady use in many European languages. In English it was particularly popular from the 17th century onwards and experienced recurrent revivals. Variants such as Sarai and alternate spellings have appeared in different cultures, while diminutives and pet forms like Sally and Sadie emerged in English-speaking countries. Where precise lines of change are unclear, it is safest to say that the name kept its principal sense of dignity and became embedded as a familiar, gentle classic across many societies.

Popularity of Sarah over time

In 2025, Sarah was given to 371 girls in the UK and 2,710 girls in the US. Sarah has declined sharply over the last 20 years, but remains a well-used girls' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of Sarah?