Sarah
Peaked at #3 nationally in 1993, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Sarah has been recorded >99% of the time for girls and <1% of the time for boys.
Meaning & origin
Sarah comes from the Hebrew word meaning "princess" or "noblewoman." In the Book of Genesis, Sarah is the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, making her one of the matriarchs of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name has been in continuous use across the English-speaking world since at least the Protestant Reformation, when biblical names surged in popularity.
Notable people & culture
French actress Sarah Bernhardt, one of the most celebrated stage performers of the 19th century, and actress Sarah Jessica Parker are among its well-known bearers, alongside former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. The name has remained one of the most consistently popular girls' names in the U.S. for decades. Common nicknames include Sadie and Sally.
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Sarah — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#3
in 1993
Current rank
#95
in 2024
Years tracked
145
1880–2024
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1880, Sarah reached its peak popularity for girls in 1993, ranking #3 nationally with 24,256 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has slipped from #50 (2014) to #95 (2024) — a 47% drop.
As of 2024, Sarah ranks #95 nationally for girls, with 2,697 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #95 | 2,697 |
| 2023 | #91 | 2,767 |
| 2022 | #95 | 2,805 |
| 2021 | #91 | 2,862 |
| 2020 | #86 | 3,069 |
| 2019 | #81 | 3,322 |
| 2018 | #66 | 3,778 |
| 2017 | #62 | 4,033 |
Sarah — Boys (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#653
in 1899
Last ranked
#9405
in 2020
Years tracked
129
1883–2020
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1883, Sarah reached its peak popularity for boys in 1899, ranking #653 nationally with 11 babies given the name that year.
Sarah hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for boys since 2020, when it stood at #9405.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | #9,405 | 8 |
| 2017 | #11,970 | 6 |
| 2016 | #8,687 | 9 |
| 2015 | #7,937 | 10 |
| 2013 | #13,712 | 5 |
| 2012 | #12,016 | 6 |
| 2011 | #13,984 | 5 |
| 2010 | #13,905 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — girls' names only.
Common Questions
When was Sarah most popular?
Sarah was most popular in 1993, when it ranked #3 nationally for girls — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Sarah becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently rising, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Sarah?
At least 1,099,063 babies have been recorded with the name Sarah in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Sarah? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.