MyNameList

    Sally

    סאלי(Sali)

    Pronunciation: SAL-ee

    ♀ Female
    Hebrew

    Meaning

    Princess, or 'lady' or 'princess' (as a diminutive of Sarah)

    Origin

    Hebrew

    The Story Behind Sally

    Sally originated as a diminutive of Sarah, a Hebrew name meaning 'princess' or 'lady.' While Sarah has ancient roots, appearing in the Old Testament as the wife of Abraham, Sally emerged much later as a popular pet form. It gained significant traction in English-speaking countries, particularly from the 18th century onwards.

    Over time, Sally developed its own identity as a given name, moving beyond being solely a nickname for Sarah. It has been used in literature, songs, and popular culture, contributing to its widespread recognition and enduring charm. Despite its informal origins, Sally has been embraced as a standalone name for generations.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Declining
    Peak decade:1940s
    Era:Victorian, Early 1900s, Mid-century
    Popular in:Ireland

    Popularity Trends

    Is Sally Right for Your Baby?

    Sally is a Friendly, Earthy, Classic name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian

    Regions Where Sally Is Used

    Anglo-Saxon / British

    Name Vibe

    Friendly
    Earthy
    Classic

    Famous People Named Sally

    • Sally Field, American actress
    • Sally Ride, American astronaut, first American woman in space
    • Sally Hawkins, English actress
    • Sally Jessy Raphael, American talk show host
    • Sally Kellerman, American actress

    Sally in different fonts

    SallyDancing Script
    SallyCaveat
    SallySatisfy
    SallyPacifico
    SallyGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Sally:

    Names Similar to Sally

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Sally, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Sweet

    Related Names

    Found in these lists

    Frequently Asked Questions About Sally

    What does Sally mean?

    Sally means "Princess, or 'lady' or 'princess' (as a diminutive of Sarah)". It is derived from Hebrew.

    What is the origin of Sally?

    Sally originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

    Is Sally a male or female name?

    Sally is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Sally?

    Sally is pronounced "SAL-ee".

    What language does Sally come from?

    Sally comes from Hebrew.

    Is Sally a popular name?

    Sally is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is declining.

    Articles You Might Like

    Browse more S names →