Both names mean the same thing, but one is the older form.
Some think the root is “princess” (BDB 979 I, KB 1354 I, Sarah – KB 1354 II) from the verb “to rule,” but it is also possibly from the root “to strive.” This may be better because of the root’s relationship to “Israel” (cf. 32:28, BDB 975 I), which is from the same root “contend” (KB 1354 I).
Sarah, an overview.
1. She was Abraham’s wife
2. She was barren, Gen. 11:29-30
3. She was his half-sister, Gen. 20:12
4. She was very beautiful, Gen. 12:10-13; 20:1-7 (if you compare Gen. 12:4 with 17:17, her beauty lasted long past 65 years of age)
5. She was a jealous lady, Gen. 16; 21:8-21
6. She laughed, as Abraham did, at God’s promises, Gen. 18:1-10
7. She died at the age of 127 and was buried at Hebron in the cave of Machpelah, Gen. 23:2-30
8. She is used by Paul in allegory with Hagar, Gal. 4:21-31
9. She is mentioned by Peter as an example to women, 1 Pet. 3:1
10. She is used in the same analogy as Abraham, Gal. 3:29; 1 Pet. 3:1
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