Rising since 1998, #4,878 for girls today.
Popularity of Yarah since 1996
Babies named Yarah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 77 |
| 2010s | 132 |
| 2020s | 142 |
Meaning & origin
Yarah is a relatively recent addition to the U.S. naming landscape, first recorded in 1996. Its rise in popularity has been steady: from a rank of 4,878 in 2025, the name has shown consistent upward trajectory since 1998, reflecting a growing appreciation for soft, two-syllable names with Arabic or Hebrew connections. Though not yet widely used (approximately 1 in 59,528 births), its peak year is 2025, suggesting continued growth. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and cross-cultural resonance, fitting well alongside similar-sounding names like Yara and Sarah.
Yarah may be a modern spelling variant of Sarah, from the Hebrew שָׂרָה (Sarah) meaning 'princess'. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Arabic يارا (Yara), a name that carries meanings such as 'small butterfly' or 'gentle breeze', though its exact etymology is debated. The name has seen some use in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, often chosen for its melodic sound and cross-cultural appeal.
“Yarah” around the world
Where Yarah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yari, Rah
Sibling names for Yarah
Names that share Yarah's style, for a brother or sister.
