What Does the Name Sara Mean?
Sara means "princess" or "noblewoman," from the Hebrew sarah, the feminine form of a word denoting a ruler or member of the ruling class.
The Origin & History of Sara
The name comes from the biblical Sarah, wife of Abraham and matriarch of the Hebrew people in the Book of Genesis. The Sara spelling -- without the final h -- is the standard form in many languages, including Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian languages, and Arabic transliterations, and has long been used interchangeably with Sarah in English as well.
Cultural Reach
As one of the most enduring biblical names, Sara/Sarah has remained in continuous use across Jewish, Christian, and Muslim naming traditions for millennia, making it one of the most globally recognized women's names.
Famous People Named Sara
Notable bearers include Sara Bareilles, the American singer-songwriter behind hits like "Love Song," and Sara Gilbert, the American actress known for Roseanne and The Talk.
Nicknames & Variations
Sadie and Sally are traditional English nicknames for the name. The most common variant spelling is Sarah; other forms include Zara and Sarai.
Is Sara a Good Name in 2026?
Sara offers the timeless recognizability of Sarah in a slightly shorter, more streamlined form, making it a dependable choice that reads as classic rather than trendy.