Sarah

This traditionally feminine name has quite a few also traditionally feminine meanings behind it: "Lady," "princess," and the more melodramatic "princess of the multitudes." Sarah has also been said to mean "happy" or "pure," so you can really take your pick when choosing the reason behind selecting it for your newborn.

Sarah is an Old Testament name (she was Abraham's wife and Isaac's mother) and has been quite the popular name throughout history, especially in the 20th century; it ranked among the top 10 from 1978 straight until 2002. Fun variants and nicknames include Sara, Sarai, Siri, Sari, even Sadie or Sally.

Famous Sarahs (post-Biblical days, that is) include Sarah Bernhardt, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sarah Palin, Sarah Silverman, Sarah Shahi, Sarah McLachlan, Sarah Hyland, Sara Ramirez, and plenty more.

Fans of Sarah may also appreciate other "S" classics such as Sophie, Sonia, Sophia, Sylvia, Sasha, and Seema. Or stick with two syllables and an "-a" ending, but try a different start letter with Rita, Lita, Jaaza, Lola, Nala, Paula, Anna, Emma, or Nina. Looking for names with similar meanings along the lady-princess-happy lines, but with a bit more pizazz and uniqueness than dear old Sarah? Try Albertine, Alzubra, Askelon, Davi, Deanne, Earline, Estrella, Fae, Galina, or Kaitlynn. If you love the -ah or -ha ending, go for Nazaha, Taliah, Thamah, or Yameenah.

Sarah in quotes:

“There is always something to miss, no matter where you are.”
― Patricia MacLachlan, 'Sarah, Plain and Tall'

“I barely knew I had skin before I met you.”
― Sarah Waters, 'The Paying Guests'