Saba is a feminine name of Persian and Urdu origin, meaning "soft breeze" — a gentle, poetic word that evokes a sense of calm and nature. In Persian literature, 'saba' often appears as a reference to a mild, refreshing wind, sometimes personified as a messenger or bringer of good tidings. The name is used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and among Persian-speaking and Urdu-speaking communities worldwide. While it is relatively uncommon in the West, Saba carries a lyrical appeal that resonates with parents seeking a nature-inspired name with deep cultural roots. Transliteration variants may appear as Sabaa or Səba, but the core meaning remains tied to the image of a zephyr—a soft, pleasant breeze.
The name Saba should not be confused with the biblical Queen of Sheba, whose name is sometimes also transliterated as Saba, though that figure's name has a different etymology (likely from Sabaean, meaning "from Sheba" in modern Yemen). In Persian, the word sabā itself is derived from Middle Persian and is enshrined in classical poetry, for example, in the verses of Hafez and Rumi, where the breeze is a metaphor for divine love or the longing for a beloved.
- Meaning: "soft breeze"
- Origin: Persian
- Type: First name (feminine)
- Usage regions: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Persian- and Urdu-speaking diaspora