Sarah Girl
Origin(s)
PronunciationSAIR-uh / /ˈsɛərə/Hebrew; English; French
Meaning
Hebrew: princess; English: lady; French: noblewoman
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sarah has its roots in the Hebrew language, originating from the word "שָׂרָה" (Sarah), which means "princess" or "noblewoman." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, where Sarah is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, making her a significant matriarch in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The name was later adopted into Greek as "Σάρα" (Sara) and then into Latin, maintaining its original meaning. The transition into Old French as "Sarre" eventually led to its current form in English, where it has been consistently used since the Middle Ages.
Historically, the name Sarah has been borne by various notable figures, including queens and saints. In the biblical narrative, Sarah's story is pivotal, as she is recognized for her role in the covenant between God and Abraham, which is foundational in the Abrahamic faiths. The name's prominence continued through the centuries, appearing in various religious texts and translations, including the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which helped solidify its place in Christian tradition. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, also contributed to the name's enduring presence in English-speaking cultures.
Culturally, Sarah has been associated with themes of motherhood, faith, and resilience, reflecting the qualities attributed to the biblical Sarah. The name has also been used in literature and art, symbolizing strength and nobility. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Sally" have emerged over time, although they are less directly linked to the name's historical significance. Overall, Sarah remains a name rich in history and cultural resonance, embodying a legacy that spans millennia.
Trend Summary
The name Sarah has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States, though its popularity has seen a gradual decline in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Sara
- Sarai
- Sarey
International Variants
- Sára (Hungarian)
- Sarai (Hebrew)
- Zara (Arabic)
- Sare (Spanish)
Famous people named Sarah
Sarah Michelle Gellar is an actress best known for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cruel Intentions, and Scooby-Doo.
Sarah Paulson is an actress best known for American Horror Story, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, and Ratched.
Sarah Silverman is a comedian, actress, and writer best known for The Sarah Silverman Program, Wreck-It Ralph, and Sarah Silverman: Jesus Is Magic.
Sarah McLachlan is a singer-songwriter best known for Angel, Building a Mystery, and I Will Remember You.
Sarah Gadon is an actress best known for Enemy, Alias Grace, and A Dangerous Method.
Sarah Polley is an actress, director, and screenwriter best known for Away from Her, Stories We Tell, and The Sweet Hereafter.
Sarah Snook is an actress best known for Succession, The Dressmaker, and Predestination.
Sarah Wayne Callies is an actress best known for The Walking Dead, Prison Break, and Colony.
Sarah Chalke is an actress best known for Scrubs, How I Met Your Mother, and Rick and Morty.
Fictional characters named Sarah
Sarah Connor is a fictional character from the film series Terminator. She is the mother of John Connor and a key figure in the fight against the machines.
Sarah Williams is a fictional character from the film Labyrinth. She is a teenage girl who embarks on a quest to rescue her baby brother from the Goblin King.
Sarah Manning is a fictional character from the TV series Orphan Black. She is one of the many clones who uncover a conspiracy surrounding their existence.
Sarah Palmer is a fictional character from the TV series Twin Peaks. She is the mother of Laura Palmer and plays a significant role in the series' mystery.
Sarah Crewe is a fictional character from the novel A Little Princess. She is a young girl who faces adversity with grace and imagination after being left in a boarding school.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sarah was first seen in the United States in 1880. Sarah has ranked as high as #16 nationally, which occurred in 1982, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Sarah has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Sarah (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
NY | 382 | |
TX | 274 | |
CA | 270 | |
FL | 229 | |
NJ | 148 | |
PA | 99 | |
GA | 96 | |
NC | 84 | |
VA | 77 | |
IL | 74 | |
MA | 59 | |
AZ | 58 | |
TN | 57 | |
OH | 57 | |
WA | 56 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 1,288 |
1881 | 1,226 |
1882 | 1,410 |
1883 | 1,359 |
1884 | 1,518 |
1885 | 1,424 |
1886 | 1,569 |
1887 | 1,436 |
1888 | 1,755 |
1889 | 1,730 |
1890 | 1,786 |
1891 | 1,669 |
1892 | 1,798 |
1893 | 1,632 |
1894 | 1,701 |
1895 | 1,777 |
1896 | 1,691 |
1897 | 1,713 |
1898 | 1,800 |
1899 | 1,587 |
1900 | 2,054 |
1901 | 1,514 |
1902 | 1,710 |
1903 | 1,553 |
1904 | 1,594 |
1905 | 1,762 |
1906 | 1,697 |
1907 | 1,799 |
1908 | 1,814 |
1909 | 1,845 |
1910 | 2,173 |
1911 | 2,201 |
1912 | 2,919 |
1913 | 3,178 |
1914 | 3,679 |
1915 | 4,415 |
1916 | 4,798 |
1917 | 4,766 |
1918 | 4,969 |
1919 | 5,022 |
1920 | 5,031 |
1921 | 5,024 |
1922 | 4,982 |
1923 | 4,963 |
1924 | 5,045 |
1925 | 4,685 |
1926 | 4,423 |
1927 | 4,556 |
1928 | 4,244 |
1929 | 3,815 |
1930 | 3,920 |
1931 | 3,636 |
1932 | 3,597 |
1933 | 3,621 |
1934 | 3,601 |
1935 | 3,615 |
1936 | 3,515 |
1937 | 3,589 |
1938 | 3,748 |
1939 | 3,671 |
1940 | 3,869 |
1941 | 3,983 |
1942 | 4,100 |
1943 | 3,990 |
1944 | 3,856 |
1945 | 3,593 |
1946 | 3,909 |
1947 | 4,223 |
1948 | 4,159 |
1949 | 4,295 |
1950 | 4,144 |
1951 | 4,028 |
1952 | 4,048 |
1953 | 4,085 |
1954 | 4,040 |
1955 | 3,979 |
1956 | 3,875 |
1957 | 3,986 |
1958 | 3,913 |
1959 | 3,869 |
1960 | 4,206 |
1961 | 4,205 |
1962 | 4,547 |
1963 | 4,571 |
1964 | 4,584 |
1965 | 4,061 |
1966 | 4,035 |
1967 | 4,139 |
1968 | 4,489 |
1969 | 5,079 |
1970 | 5,614 |
1971 | 5,844 |
1972 | 6,114 |
1973 | 7,214 |
1974 | 9,790 |
1975 | 11,170 |
1976 | 13,996 |
1977 | 18,096 |
1978 | 19,976 |
1979 | 21,017 |
1980 | 25,759 |
1981 | 28,174 |
1982 | 28,488 |
1983 | 27,230 |
1984 | 25,889 |
1985 | 24,878 |
1986 | 28,164 |
1987 | 27,895 |
1988 | 28,374 |
1989 | 27,796 |
1990 | 25,825 |
1991 | 25,231 |
1992 | 24,636 |
1993 | 24,256 |
1994 | 22,298 |
1995 | 21,394 |
1996 | 21,044 |
1997 | 20,716 |
1998 | 19,896 |
1999 | 19,117 |
2000 | 17,715 |
2001 | 15,927 |
2002 | 14,778 |
2003 | 13,785 |
2004 | 12,754 |
2005 | 11,552 |
2006 | 11,159 |
2007 | 10,010 |
2008 | 9,053 |
2009 | 7,791 |
2010 | 6,341 |
2011 | 5,569 |
2012 | 5,205 |
2013 | 4,715 |
2014 | 4,714 |
2015 | 4,534 |
2016 | 4,426 |
2017 | 4,033 |
2018 | 3,778 |
2019 | 3,322 |
2020 | 3,069 |
2021 | 2,862 |
2022 | 2,805 |
2023 | 2,767 |
2024 | 2,697 |