It’s my birthday week, and instead of celebrating with cake and candles (okay, there’s definitely cake involved), I’ve decided to honor the occasion by sharing something quirky and delightful. As it turns out, having a common name like Sarah Wells is a bit like being in an exclusive club you didn’t sign up for—but also kind of love. Over the years, thanks to Google alerts and random discoveries, I’ve encountered a whole roster of other Sarah Wells(es) who are absolutely killing it in their own unique ways. So, here’s to us—the Sarahs who share a name but bring entirely different flavors to the world.
But first, a little backstory. I was born Sarah Bollinger and inherited Wells when I married my wonderful husband, Greg. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the serendipity of this name. It’s a good one, no doubt, and has introduced me to an unexpected camaraderie with other Sarah Wells(es) who are, quite frankly, amazing.
Sarah Wells, Olympian
Let’s start with Sarah Wells, the Olympian. When I was setting up my business in 2012, her name kept popping up. That same year, Sarah Wells the athlete was competing in the London Olympics, specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. Talk about inspiring!
Here’s a funny twist: years later, I discovered that Sarah Wells had a baby and was using one of my Sarah Wells Breast Pump Bags! It was a surreal moment that brought our worlds together in the quirkiest of ways. She’s not just an Olympian but a dynamic speaker and thought leader with a master’s degree in leadership. Her philosophy? Excellence isn’t about perfection but about breaking limiting beliefs and striving to outperform your past self. She’s proof that hard work and resilience can take you far—in life, on the track, and beyond.
Sarah Wells, Trailblazer of the 1700s
Next up is a Sarah Wells whose legacy stretches back centuries. This Sarah Wells was an orphan who secured the Wawayanda Patent in what is now Orange County, New York, in the early 1700s. She braved the wilderness as a teenager, married stonemason William Bull, and helped build a four-story stone house that still stands today. Her strength and resourcefulness earned her a trailhead named in her honor—“Sarah Wells Trail”—and her legacy lives on in the Girl Scouts council that bears her name.
This connection to the Girl Scouts feels particularly special to me. I’ve been deeply involved in the organization as a troop leader for both my daughters, and I cherish how scouting empowers young women with confidence, community, and resilience. Sarah Wells of the 1700s exemplified those very values, blazing trails—quite literally—long before it was common for women to do so. Her life reminds me that the spirit of resilience isn’t confined to any one era. It’s timeless.
The Many More Sarah Wells(es)
Of course, the world of Sarah Wells doesn’t stop there. Here are a few more women who share my name and are absolutely crushing it in their fields:
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Sarah Wells, Science Journalist: A Boston-based writer who explores the intersection of innovation and daily life. One of Sarah Wells’ recent articles dives into the mind-boggling idea that octopuses could potentially inherit civilization if humans were to disappear.
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Sarah Wells, 92-Year-Old Graduate: Proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, this Sarah Wells became the oldest person to receive a high school diploma from Madison College. At 92, she’s a beacon of perseverance and lifelong learning.
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Sarah Wells, Cancer-Fighting Executive: As the Executive Vice President of the American Cancer Society’s Northeast Region, this Sarah Wells drives mission and revenue strategies across 13 states, helping end cancer as we know it. Her dedication to fostering collaboration and making an impact is nothing short of inspiring.
Sarah Wells, 92-Year-Old Graduate! Photo credit: Madison365
What’s in a Name?
As I celebrate my birthday this week, I’m reminded that our names are just starting points. They connect us, sure, but they don’t define us. What defines us is what we do, how we live, and the stories we leave behind. For me, sharing a name with these extraordinary women is a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger—a web of inspiration that transcends time, geography, and even Google alerts.
So, here’s to all the Sarah Wells(es) out there and to anyone who’s ever Googled their name and found a kindred spirit. Cheers to us—the dreamers, the doers, the trailblazers, and the forever curious. Let’s keep making waves.
Sarah Wells (the one who wrote this article that is 😉) is the author of Go Ask Your Mothers: One Simple Step for Managers to Support Working Moms for Team Success, and CEO & founder of a mission-driven brand empowering parents and woman-owned small businesses. Connect with Sarah through Substack, or via LinkedIn!
