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Early (1700's) Spanish maps of Sarasota, FL indicate the name Zara zota. originally as two words. Zota or sota in native languages refers to sky-blue or blue waters. Zara is a name of Arabic origin and means radiance. With considerable early arabic influence in Spain the early Spaniards would have been familiar with this Arabic name. So the meaning of the present day word "Sarasota" is likely "Radiant Blue Water"