Zahra Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ZAH-rah //ˈzɑːrə//
Origin: Arabic; Persian
Meaning: Arabic: flower; Persian: radiant
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Zahra has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "zahra," meaning "flower" or "blossom." This etymology reflects a broader linguistic tradition where floral imagery is often associated with beauty and purity. The name is commonly linked to the Arabic verb "zahara," which means "to shine" or "to illuminate," further emphasizing its connotations of brightness and radiance.
The name entered English usage through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the periods of Islamic influence in Europe, where Arabic names and terms were adopted and adapted into different languages. Historically, Zahra is notably associated with Fatimah Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the 7th century.
She is revered in both Sunni and Shia Islam, with her life and virtues celebrated in numerous texts and traditions. Her significance is underscored by her role as a mother and a symbol of piety and strength, which has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in Muslim cultures.
The name appears in various historical texts and religious writings, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual importance. Culturally, Zahra embodies ideals of beauty, purity, and resilience, making it a favored choice in many Islamic communities.
The name has also been used in literature and poetry, often symbolizing feminine grace and virtue. In addition to its primary form, diminutives such as Zari or Zahrah may also be encountered, reflecting regional variations and personal preferences.
The name's rich historical and cultural associations have ensured its continued resonance across generations, making it a significant name within various cultural contexts.
Famous people named Zahra
In this section, you will find notable people named Zahra. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Zahra who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Zahra who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Zahra Billoo is an activist best known for her work with the Council on American-Islamic Relations and her advocacy for civil rights.
Zahra Langhi is a political activist best known for her role in the Libyan revolution and her advocacy for women's rights in Libya.
Fictional characters named Zahra
The following list of fictional characters named Zahra is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Zahra is a fictional character from the novel The Wrath and the Dawn. She is the protagonist who volunteers to marry the murderous king in order to save her best friend and seeks to uncover the truth behind his actions.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Zahra, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Zahra. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Zahra was first seen in the United States in 1973.
Zahra has ranked as high as #1079 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Zahra has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Zahra is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Zahra was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Zahra.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 562 | 562 |
| 2024 | 558 | 558 |
| 2023 | 546 | 546 |
| 2022 | 491 | 491 |
| 2021 | 412 | 412 |
| 2020 | 493 | 493 |
| 2019 | 511 | 511 |
| 2018 | 520 | 520 |
| 2017 | 455 | 455 |
| 2016 | 433 | 433 |
| 2015 | 411 | 411 |
| 2014 | 295 | 295 |
| 2013 | 285 | 285 |
| 2012 | 267 | 267 |
| 2011 | 246 | 246 |
| 2010 | 222 | 222 |
| 2009 | 220 | 220 |
| 2008 | 187 | 187 |
| 2007 | 208 | 208 |
| 2006 | 153 | 153 |
| 2005 | 172 | 172 |
| 2004 | 122 | 122 |
| 2003 | 139 | 139 |
| 2002 | 118 | 118 |
| 2001 | 108 | 108 |
| 2000 | 113 | 113 |
| 1999 | 89 | 89 |
| 1998 | 92 | 92 |
| 1997 | 101 | 101 |
| 1996 | 85 | 85 |
| 1995 | 82 | 82 |
| 1994 | 48 | 48 |
| 1993 | 46 | 46 |
| 1992 | 56 | 56 |
| 1991 | 42 | 42 |
| 1990 | 47 | 47 |
| 1989 | 50 | 50 |
| 1988 | 38 | 38 |
| 1987 | 48 | 48 |
| 1986 | 40 | 40 |
| 1985 | 43 | 43 |
| 1984 | 29 | 29 |
| 1983 | 41 | 41 |
| 1982 | 26 | 26 |
| 1981 | 20 | 20 |
| 1980 | 14 | 14 |
| 1979 | 25 | 25 |
| 1978 | 24 | 24 |
| 1977 | 16 | 16 |
| 1976 | 12 | 12 |
| 1975 | 11 | 11 |
| 1974 | 15 | 15 |
| 1973 | 8 | 8 |
Top States for Zahra (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 70 | |
| TX | 52 | |
| CA | 47 | |
| IL | 34 | |
| FL | 32 | |
| VA | 32 | |
| NJ | 27 | |
| PA | 27 | |
| MD | 21 | |
| MI | 20 | |
| NC | 19 | |
| GA | 17 | |
| WA | 15 | |
| AZ | 13 | |
| MA | 13 | |
| CT | 12 | |
| MN | 12 | |
| OH | 11 | |
| TN | 7 | |
| SC | 6 | |
| DC | 6 | |
| MO | 5 | |
| KY | 5 | |
| CO | 5 |