Sára: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled".It derives from the Hebrew word "saráy / Śārā > SARAH".
The name Sára carries a rich history rooted in Hebrew culture. Derived from "saráy / Śārā > SARAH", this feminine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Hebrew-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About Sára
Quick facts about Sára
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Uncommon
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
saráy / Śārā > SARAH
Other Scripts
Greek (Σάρα)
How to Pronounce Sára
Sára is pronounced /ˈsɑː.rə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Sár-a
Say it like: "SÁR-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Sára enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including greek, czech, hungarian (magyar), and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
greekczechhungarian (magyar)slovak
Frequently Asked Questions About Sára
What does the name Sára mean?
Sára means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions.". The name comes from saráy / Śārā > SARAH. In its original form, the name derives from Śārā (שָׂרָי) Sarah (שרה) Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Sára for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Sára offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Sára?
Sára is a hebrew name. The name traces back to saráy / Śārā > SARAH. The original form Śārā (שָׂרָי) Sarah (שרה) Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Sára is written as Greek (Σάρα). From its hebrew roots, Sára spread to become common in greek, czech, hungarian (magyar), slovak. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Sára a boy or girl name?
Sára is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Sára has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Sára?
Sára is pronounced "/ˈsɑː.rə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Greek (Σάρα), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Sára is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in greek, czech, hungarian (magyar), where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Sára can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. This pronunciation has been verified and represents the standard way to say the name. The name's root saráy / Śārā > SARAH influences how Sára sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Sára?
Sára is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Sára gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Sára's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Sára holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Sára commonly used?
Sára spans multiple cultures, including greek, czech, hungarian (magyar), and 1 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Sára found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Sára, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Sára into their naming traditions. A child named Sára will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Sára is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Sára?
Sára carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Saráy / Sā́rā (Σᾱ́ρᾱ) > Sarah,” meaning “woman of high rank, Princess, essence, speckled.” The name refers to the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Old Testament, and the Islamic Quran. In origin, his name was “Saráy.” According to Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah as part of a covenant after Hagar bore Abraham his first son, Ishmael. This name is a consistently popular across Europe and North America, as well as in the Middle East being commonly used as a female first name by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike, and remaining popular also among non-religious members of cultures influenced by these religions." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Sára originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Sára sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Sára often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In greek communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.