Girl · Hebrew · Old Testament

Sarai

sair-EYE · means “Meaning uncertain (possibly my princess); renamed Sarah”

Sarai was Abram's wife and her name's precise meaning is debated among scholars, though it is often connected to a form of "my princess." In Genesis 17:15, God changed her name to Sarah, simply "princess," as part of His covenant promise that she would become the mother of nations.

“God also said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, her name will no longer be Sarai; her name will be Sarah."”

The story behind the name

Sarai appears in Genesis as Abram's wife from the very start of his story, traveling with him from Ur to Canaan and later to Egypt, sharing in every uncertain step of his journey of faith (Genesis 11:29-31).

For decades, Sarai remained childless, and in her weariness she suggested Abram have a child through her servant Hagar, a plan that brought pain rather than peace (Genesis 16:1-6). Her name at this point still carried the uncertainty and struggle of a promise not yet fulfilled.

Then God spoke directly to Abram: "As for Sarai your wife, her name will no longer be Sarai; her name will be Sarah" (Genesis 17:15). The renaming marked a turning point, God's covenant promise settling fully onto a woman who had waited and struggled and doubted, and who would, at ninety years old, finally hold the son God had promised.

Middle names that sing with Sarai

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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