Sally

girlEnglish pet form of Hebrew SarahChristianJewish

Sally is a Christian girl name of English pet form of Hebrew Sarah origin, meaning “Princess”.

MeaningPrincess
GenderGirl
OriginEnglish pet form of Hebrew Sarah
PronunciationSAL-ee
TraditionChristian, Jewish
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Australia

Meaning and origin of Sally

Sally began as an English pet form of Sarah, from the Hebrew for 'princess' or 'noblewoman'. The change from r to l is a familiar pattern in English nicknames, as in Hal from Harry and Molly from Mary. It was well used from the eighteenth century, and the old ballad 'Sally in our Alley' made it a byword for the girl next door. The astronaut Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, is a well-known bearer.

Is Sally a Christian name?

Sally comes from Sarah, the wife of Abraham in Genesis, so it has biblical roots, though it is usually chosen as a friendly English name.

How popular is Sally?

Popular in the mid-twentieth century; now uncommon but familiar.

Gifts with the name Sally

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Spellings and variants of Sally

SarahSallieSal

Names similar to Sally

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sally mean?

Sally means 'Princess'. It is of English pet form of Hebrew Sarah origin.

Is Sally a Christian name?

Sally comes from Sarah, the wife of Abraham in Genesis, so it has biblical roots, though it is usually chosen as a friendly English name.

How do you pronounce Sally?

Sally is pronounced SAL-ee.

Is Sally a boy or girl name?

Sally is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.