Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Sarai
GirlHebrew· “my princess”
- Meaning
- my princess
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- suh-RY
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #425
- US babies 2025
- 733
- Best rank
- #398 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Sarai
Sarai is a Hebrew name that means “my princess”.
Sarai is the original name of Sarah in the Book of Genesis, before God changed it to Sarah as part of the covenant with Abraham. Both forms come from Hebrew and are usually explained as princess or my princess. Sarai has become popular among Spanish-speaking families, where it is often pronounced sah-RAH-ee, while English speakers may say suh-RY. The name offers a less common alternative to Sarah with the same deep biblical roots. It feels gentle, distinctive and dignified.
Popularity over time
Sarai first appears in US Social Security records in 1953. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 38 different years, starting in 1987. Its best national rank was #398 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 818 babies. In 2025, 733 babies were named Sarai, and it ranked #425 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,458 in 1980, #560 in 2000, #424 in 2010, and #425 in 2025. Of the 22,919 US girls named Sarai since records began, 31% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 6,516 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lilian, Dayana, Jazlyn, Haylie, and Allisson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sarai ranked highest in District of Columbia, Rhode Island, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #189 | 5 |
| Rhode Island | #213 | 5 |
| Louisiana | #240 | 19 |
| Florida | #250 | 77 |
| Connecticut | #265 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Sarai is usually pronounced suh-RY, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ai”.
Middle names for Sarai
A few middle names that flow with Sarai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sarai
Similar names
Rachel Girl
RAY-chuhl
“ewe” · Hebrew
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Sara Girl
SEH-ruh
“princess” · Hebrew
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Lia Girl
LEE-uh
“short form of names like Amelia” · Italian
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Hanna Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Noa Girl
NOH-uh
“movement, motion” · Hebrew
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Mara Girl
MAHR-uh
“bitter” · Hebrew
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Rivka Girl
RIHV-kuh
“to tie, to bind” · Hebrew
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Anaiah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“Yahweh has answered” · Hebrew
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Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Leah Girl
LEE-uh
“weary” · Hebrew
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Sarah Girl
SAIR-uh
“princess” · Hebrew
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Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Sarai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sarai mean?
Sarai is a Hebrew name that means “my princess”.
What is the origin of the name Sarai?
Sarai has Hebrew roots. Sarai is the original name of Sarah in the Book of Genesis, before God changed it to Sarah as part of the covenant with Abraham.
Is Sarai a popular name?
Yes. Sarai ranked #425 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Sarai a boy or girl name?
Sarai is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Sarai?
Sarai is usually pronounced suh-RY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings