Sarai Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sah-RYE //səˈraɪ//
Origin: Hebrew; Spanish
Meaning: Hebrew: princess; Spanish: my princess
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sarai has its roots in the Hebrew language, deriving from the word "śārāy," which means "my princess" or "my lady." This form appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where Sarai is introduced as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. The name is later transformed into Sarah, which means "princess" in Hebrew, and this change is attributed to God’s covenant with Abraham, as noted in Genesis 17:15.
The transition from Sarai to Sarah signifies a new identity and purpose bestowed upon her, marking a significant moment in biblical history. Sarai is a notable figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Abrahamic covenant and the establishment of the Israelite lineage.
Her story, which includes themes of faith and divine promise, has been influential in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name's biblical significance is further underscored by its inclusion in various translations of the Bible, including the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which helped disseminate the name across different cultures and languages.
Culturally, Sarai has been associated with themes of nobility and leadership, reflecting her role as a matriarch in the Abrahamic faiths. The name has been used in various literary and artistic works throughout history, symbolizing strength and resilience.
In addition to its biblical roots, the name has also inspired various diminutive forms and variations in different languages, although these are less prominent than the original. Overall, Sarai's enduring legacy is tied to her foundational role in the narratives of faith and her representation of feminine strength in religious texts.
Famous people named Sarai
Sarai Walker is an author best known for Dietland, The Cherry Robbers, and her essays.
Fictional characters named Sarai
Sarai is a fictional character from the novel The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. She is a significant figure in the story, representing the struggles and resilience of women in biblical times.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sarai was first seen in the United States in 1953.
Sarai has ranked as high as #691 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
In the past 5 years the name Sarai has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Sarai (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 87 | |
| FL | 72 | |
| TX | 67 | |
| NY | 58 | |
| GA | 39 | |
| NJ | 29 | |
| PA | 24 | |
| VA | 24 | |
| NC | 22 | |
| IL | 21 | |
| MD | 17 | |
| TN | 17 | |
| OH | 17 | |
| CT | 16 | |
| MA | 16 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1958 | 8 |
| 1959 | 6 |
| 1960 | 7 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1963 | 9 |
| 1964 | 16 |
| 1965 | 12 |
| 1966 | 14 |
| 1967 | 15 |
| 1968 | 21 |
| 1969 | 16 |
| 1970 | 21 |
| 1971 | 16 |
| 1972 | 25 |
| 1973 | 19 |
| 1974 | 32 |
| 1975 | 30 |
| 1976 | 43 |
| 1977 | 56 |
| 1978 | 46 |
| 1979 | 74 |
| 1980 | 84 |
| 1981 | 79 |
| 1982 | 89 |
| 1983 | 85 |
| 1984 | 108 |
| 1985 | 134 |
| 1986 | 128 |
| 1987 | 166 |
| 1988 | 145 |
| 1989 | 181 |
| 1990 | 220 |
| 1991 | 253 |
| 1992 | 253 |
| 1993 | 286 |
| 1994 | 285 |
| 1995 | 345 |
| 1996 | 387 |
| 1997 | 377 |
| 1998 | 391 |
| 1999 | 446 |
| 2000 | 465 |
| 2001 | 480 |
| 2002 | 528 |
| 2003 | 642 |
| 2004 | 623 |
| 2005 | 656 |
| 2006 | 720 |
| 2007 | 818 |
| 2008 | 798 |
| 2009 | 786 |
| 2010 | 741 |
| 2011 | 701 |
| 2012 | 756 |
| 2013 | 725 |
| 2014 | 714 |
| 2015 | 722 |
| 2016 | 645 |
| 2017 | 720 |
| 2018 | 755 |
| 2019 | 728 |
| 2020 | 650 |
| 2021 | 685 |
| 2022 | 737 |
| 2023 | 749 |
| 2024 | 699 |