Sara, the streamlined form of Sarah, makes this ancient name feel more modern, but perhaps a bit lighter weight.

This is a soft, soignée French girls' namethat has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce.

Early European import, well known in the 1940s via Norwegian skating movie star Sonja Henie, that has sailed back across the Atlantic, despite the rising popularity of other Russian names.

2012's Hurricane Sandy blew away whatever style currency Sandra retained from its 1960s Sandra Dee heyday. While in recent years it's been associated with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, as a baby name Sandra is sinking beneath the waves.

Shiny cousin of Samara with an intriguing meaning. Increasingly associated with the charming Samira Wiley, a perennial scene-stealer on "Orange is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale."

Sharp but sweet, ancient but with a contemporary sound, Sarai has been rising steadily up the US charts since the 90s and now sits comfortably in the Top 1000. In the Old Testament, God changed Sarai's name to Sara, so this would make a clever and legitimate honor name for an ancestral Sarah.

This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.

This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.

A key cheerleader in the nickname game of the 1970s, Stacy is now the mom. Consider Stacia, or the original Anastasia.

Sheila peaked in popularity from the 1930s to the 1960s (she reached Number 49 in 1965), along with Maureen and Colleen; parents today would probably go back to the original Cecilia or forward to Shea.

Used as a twist on the nature name Sierra or the classic Biblical name Sarah, Siara could also be considered an anglicized corruption of the Irish Ciara, meaning "little dark one", or an Arabic name meaning "pure" or "unique".

See SONIA.

This obscure Native-American name owes its very life to country singer Shania Twain, who dropped her original name, Eileen, for it.

A beautiful and evocative place-name that deserves wider use, Sahara brings to mind deserts and heat. Derived from Arabic, it is the name of the world's largest hot desert, located across the North of Africa. Similar in appearance to Sarah and Zahra and similar in feel to Savannah, it was selected by reality TV star Georgia Harrison for her daughter Sahara Jean Stacey in 2025.

The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.

Sky may be a bit hippie-ish, but it's bright and sunny nonetheless. Sky rejoined the Top 1000 in 2013 after spending many years off the list. Sky was the choice of magician David Copperfield for his daughter, born in 2010.

Shaira is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, primarily found in Arabic, Hebrew, and Hindi linguistic traditions. In Arabic, it can mean 'poetess' or 'singer,' reflecting artistic and creative qualities. The Hindi interpretation connects to meanings like 'melodious' or 'song-like,' maintaining the artistic theme. Some sources also suggest Hebrew origins relating to 'singing' or 'poetry.' Pronounced 'shy-ra' or 'share-a' depending on cultural context, this melodic name has gained modest popularity in diverse communities worldwide while remaining relatively uncommon. Shaira offers a beautiful balance of exoticism and accessibility, with its flowing sounds and intuitive spelling. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it appealing to multicultural families or those seeking a name with international appeal while maintaining connections to artistic expression and creative talents.

Samary is a feminine name with multicultural origins and interpretations. It may be derived from biblical elements, possibly related to Samaria (an ancient city in the Middle East) or as a variation of Samara, which has Hebrew and Arabic connections. In some cultures, it could be a modern creative variant of names like Samantha or Mary. The name is quite rare in most Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality. With its melodic sound pattern and ending in 'y', Samary fits contemporary naming trends while maintaining uniqueness. The name's uncommon nature means it doesn't carry strong cultural associations for most people, allowing it to be shaped by the individual who bears it.

Samirah is a beautiful feminine name with Arabic origins meaning 'companion in evening conversation' or 'entertaining companion.' The name has deep roots in Middle Eastern and Muslim communities but has gained broader international appeal in recent decades. Samirah carries an elegant, flowing quality with its three melodious syllables. The name appears in Islamic tradition as well, adding spiritual significance for many families. In Western countries, Samirah offers a distinctive choice that maintains strong cultural ties while being relatively easy to pronounce. Its positive connotations of companionship and pleasant conversation imbue the name with warmth and sociability. While not among the most common names, Samirah has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its melodic sound and meaningful heritage.