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Sarah (given name)

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Sarah
GenderFemale
Origin
Word/nameHebrew
Meaning"Princess", "Princess of the multitudes"
Other names
Related namesSara

Sarah is a female name that has been used throughout history in numerous cultures and parts of the world. It also mean princess in many other dictionaries. It can be found as a name in several languages including Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, English, Slovenian, and Serbian. It has historically been a popular name, and remains so today.

Origins

Sarah is a Biblical name, referring to a woman mentioned in the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. After fleeing the town of Haran where she lived, the woman who was then known as Sarai, along with her husband Abram, fled to Egypt where they were then cast out by the Pharaoh. God came to Sarai and Abram, telling them that they would be the creators of the Promised Land of Israel. He then told them that from that day forth they would be known as Sarah and Abraham. It should be pointed out that while most name books list the meaning of Sarah as "princess", sometimes translated as Goddess, the literal translation of the name is "princess of all". Sarah's previous name of Sarai means simply "princess".

Historical usage

With the spread of Christianity to Europe, the name became part of the vernacular of several European languages. Famous bearers of the name throughout history include Saint Sarah, patron saint of Gypsies, the 1st Duchess of Marlborough, 19th century actress and courtesan Sarah Bernhardt, and 19th century American writer Sarah Hale.

Modern usage and popularity

Sarah has been a popular female name for centuries, particularly in Britain. In the United States, it proved to be immensely popular in the latter part of the 20th century. The spelling Sara is estimated to be used once for every five times the Sarah spelling is used. Though still popular, the name's usage in America has fallen dramatically in recent years. Contemporary Sarahs include the Duchess of York, singer Sarah Brightman, and actresses Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Use of Sara in English

Sometimes the spelling Sara is used in English. This form is traditionally pronounced as /sɑrɑ/ (SAR-ah), as in French and Italian and Dutch. However it is now commonly pronounced by some English-speakers just like Sarah, that is, /sɛrɑ/ (SAIR-ah). In 2005, Sara was the 76th most popular name for newborn girls in the USA, behind Sarah at 15th most popular.

English diminutives

  • Sadie
  • Sally
  • Sar (pronounced "sair")
  • Sairz

Translations

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