Girl · 5th of 27,321
Sarah
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
1,099,063
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1982
Peak Popularity Year
28,613
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Sarah stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Sarah originated from Hebrew, meaning 'princess' or 'noblewoman.' It has evolved through various historical forms, maintaining its significance across cultures. Sarah is a biblical figure, recognized as a matriarch in several religious traditions, which adds to its enduring appeal. The name carries traits of elegance and strength, with continued popularity in modern society.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛərə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Sarah comes from the Hebrew word 'śārāh,' which means 'princess' or 'noblewoman.' In the Bible, Sarah is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, making her a significant matriarch in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Meaning
princess, noblewoman
Language Evolution
Sarai (original Hebrew form), Sarah (adapted form in Hebrew), Sara (Latin and Greek adaptation), Sarai (used in some translations)
Biblical Background
Sarah is a prominent figure in the Bible, known as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Protestant Reformation and has remained a classic name through the centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Sarai, Sara, Sally, Sadie
Modern Popularity & Image
Sarah is perceived as a timeless and elegant name, often associated with kindness and strength.
Famous People
Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Palin, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sarah Silverman
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 28,613 peak births in 1982
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 7 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1660th of 7545 | 332 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1505th of 6773 | 389 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2260th of 7552 | 246 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1411th of 10718 | 597 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1131st of 16616 | 1,340 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4574th of 24088 | 296 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 13385th of 23106 | 38 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 48th of 9107 | 92,117 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 63rd of 9204 | 67,963 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 106th of 12526 | 78,666 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 25th of 19264 | 166,393 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5th of 27321 | 411,572 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 12th of 35406 | 201,368 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 73rd of 30306 | 43,722 |