Sari is a cute spin on Sarah, though some may hear it as "sorry," and it is also an item of clothing worn in India. These days many people will also confuse Sari with Suri, the lovely and unsual name of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' much-publicized young daughter.

Zippy and multicultural, Sarika can be considered a pretty nature name, referring to a myna bird in Hindi and Sanskrit and to a blackbird in Khmer (or Cambodian). In these contexts, it would be pronounced as SAHR-ka (Sanskrit) and saw-ree-GAW (Khmer).

Sera is a truly international variation heard in Hebrew-speaking, Spanish and Italian cultures. Sera can also spelled Serah. Sera might also be a short form of Seraphina.

A simple and pretty multicultural name: as a Japanese name, it's unisex and means "sky"; as a Korean name, it's feminine and means "conch shell".

A popular Irish name virtually unknown here, but one that feels like it could follow in the footsteps of Siobhan and Saoirse. It's pronounced SOR-ka, but with a little hiccup between the 'r' and the 'c' that's difficult for non-Gaelic speakers to reproduce. Spelled (and pronounced) Sorsha, she is a major character in the movie Willow.

This pretty multicultural name makes a pleasant update to Sarah.

Suri, a once obscure name, hit the headlines when it was chosen by Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for their daughter in 2006. A truly multi-cultural choice, Suri is a unique name with a variety of different origins.

Would make a truly original alternative to the overused Sarah.

Sela is a Biblical place name, the original term for the city of Petra, which is finding new life through actress Sela Ward, star of several TV series. The young daughter of singer Lauryn Hill is named Selah, pronounced the same but with a different derivation and meaning. Found among early African-American enslaved people, it was sometimes spelled Cela or Cella.

An English, Persian, and Turkish transcription of Arabic Safaa or Safaa', Safa is a a serene but strong choice and has proved popular among Muslim parents in the UK. Spritually significant, As-Safaa is the name of one of the two sacred hills near Mecca which Muslim pilgrims travel between when performing the pilgrimage of Hajj.

Sadra is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Persian contexts, it can be derived from 'Sadr' meaning 'chief' or 'foremost,' while in some Arabic usage it may relate to concepts of prominence or leadership. The name could also function as a shortened form of Sandra or Alexandra in Western contexts, giving it cross-cultural versatility. With its simple two-syllable structure and soft ending, Sadra has a gentle yet distinct sound that travels well across languages. While relatively uncommon globally, the name maintains moderate usage in parts of the Middle East and among Persian speakers. Sadra projects quiet strength and elegance, appealing to parents seeking a name that balances cultural significance with contemporary simplicity. Its rare status makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or remember.

Saffa is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Arabic, it relates to concepts of purity and clarity, while it may also be connected to the Hebrew name Sapphira, meaning 'sapphire' or 'beautiful.' Some may use it as a diminutive form of Saffron, the valuable golden spice. The name has a pleasing symmetry with its repeated 'f' sound and simple vowel pattern. Saffa remains relatively uncommon in Western countries but has seen some usage in Muslim communities and among parents seeking short, distinctive names with cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce across different languages, while its soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality. The name's simplicity belies its rich cultural connections and meaningful associations.

Apt name for a little drama queen with a long future ahead of her. Saga is a Top 30 girls' name in Sweden.

Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.

Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.

Name of a feminist air pirate with an evil bent, Sala is also the word name for 'room' in Spanish. Salah is a common Arabic name.

Salla is a variant of Salli — the Finnish form of Sally. Both Salla and Salli are common names in their native country, but Salla is the more modern form, having peaked in popularity in the 1980s and 90s (Salli peaked in the 20s and 30s). Today, Salla is given to almost twice as many baby girls in Finland than Salli.

From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.