Declining since 2021, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Sarabi since 1995
Babies named Sarabi per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 34 |
| 2000s | 22 |
| 2010s | 116 |
| 2020s | 106 |
Meaning & origin
Sarabi first entered U.S. birth records in 1995, the year following Disney's 'The Lion King', where the name belonged to the mother of the protagonist Simba. The name saw a gradual increase in use, reaching its peak rank in 2022, and has since declined, with a falling trajectory beginning in 2021. It remains an uncommon choice, with a 2025 1-in-100,454 occurrence, appealing to parents drawn to its lyrical sound and cultural associations. Despite its modern usage, the name's etymology is uncertain, possibly rooted in Arabic or Persian words for 'mirage' or 'dream'. Its rarity and strong pop-culture reference make it a distinctive option for those seeking a name with a gentle, exotic feel.
The name Sarabi is of debated origin. It may derive from Arabic 'sarab' (سراب) meaning 'mirage', or from Persian 'sarab' (سراب) meaning 'dream'. The name gained modern awareness through Disney's 1994 film 'The Lion King', in which Sarabi is the name of Simba's mother. Since the film's release, it has been used occasionally as a given name, particularly in the United States, where it first appeared in records in 1995 and peaked in popularity in 2022.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sara, Rabi, Bee
Sibling names for Sarabi
Names that share Sarabi's style, for a brother or sister.
