Zaira Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ZYE-rah /ˈzaɪ.rə/
Origin: Arabic; Spanish
Meaning: Arabic: blooming flower; Spanish: princess
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Zaira has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "zahir," which means "radiant" or "shining." This etymological lineage reflects a broader tradition in Arabic names that often convey positive attributes or qualities. The name transitioned into various forms and languages, including Hebrew and later into European languages, where it has been adapted and embraced in different cultures.
In the context of Hebrew, Zaira can be linked to the name "Zahra," which similarly conveys brightness and beauty, often associated with the revered figure Fatimah Zahra in Islamic tradition, who is celebrated for her virtues and significance in Islamic history. Historically, the name Zaira has been borne by notable figures, particularly in literature and the arts.
One prominent reference is the 19th-century play "Zaira" by the French playwright Voltaire, which contributed to the name's recognition in European literary circles. The character Zaira in this work embodies themes of love and sacrifice, which resonate with the name's connotations of brightness and virtue.
Additionally, the name has appeared in various cultural contexts, including operas and musical compositions, further embedding it into the artistic heritage of Europe. Culturally, Zaira carries symbolic associations with light and clarity, often representing hope and positivity.
This connection to illumination has made it a favored choice in various traditions, where names are often selected for their meanings and the qualities they embody. The name's melodic quality and its historical significance in literature and art have contributed to its enduring presence across different cultures.
While diminutive forms such as Zai or Zaira may be used informally, the name itself stands as a testament to a rich linguistic and cultural heritage that spans centuries.
Famous people named Zaira
In this section, you will find notable people named Zaira. 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 Zaira who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Zaira 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.
Zaira Wasim is an actress best known for Dangal, Secret Superstar, and The Sky Is Pink.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Zaira, 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 Zaira. 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 Zaira was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Zaira has ranked as high as #2052 nationally, which occurred in 2025, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Zaira has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Zaira 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 Zaira 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 Zaira.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 224 | 224 |
| 2024 | 192 | 192 |
| 2023 | 187 | 187 |
| 2022 | 193 | 193 |
| 2021 | 220 | 220 |
| 2020 | 134 | 134 |
| 2019 | 151 | 151 |
| 2018 | 127 | 127 |
| 2017 | 157 | 157 |
| 2016 | 103 | 103 |
| 2015 | 140 | 140 |
| 2014 | 122 | 122 |
| 2013 | 155 | 155 |
| 2012 | 116 | 116 |
| 2011 | 153 | 153 |
| 2010 | 169 | 169 |
| 2009 | 169 | 169 |
| 2008 | 168 | 168 |
| 2007 | 156 | 156 |
| 2006 | 161 | 161 |
| 2005 | 136 | 136 |
| 2004 | 132 | 132 |
| 2003 | 111 | 111 |
| 2002 | 98 | 98 |
| 2001 | 111 | 111 |
| 2000 | 103 | 103 |
| 1999 | 90 | 90 |
| 1998 | 87 | 87 |
| 1997 | 96 | 96 |
| 1996 | 80 | 80 |
| 1995 | 87 | 87 |
| 1994 | 72 | 72 |
| 1993 | 76 | 76 |
| 1992 | 104 | 104 |
| 1991 | 73 | 73 |
| 1990 | 76 | 76 |
| 1989 | 52 | 52 |
| 1988 | 31 | 31 |
| 1987 | 17 | 17 |
| 1986 | 11 | 11 |
| 1985 | 11 | 11 |
| 1984 | 16 | 16 |
| 1983 | 9 | 9 |
| 1982 | 15 | 15 |
| 1981 | 14 | 14 |
| 1980 | 18 | 18 |
| 1979 | 13 | 13 |
| 1978 | 8 | 8 |
| 1977 | 7 | 7 |
| 1976 | 8 | 8 |
| 1975 | 6 | 6 |
| 1974 | 6 | 6 |
| 1972 | 5 | 5 |
| 1970 | 5 | 5 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Zaira (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 |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 38 | |
| TX | 26 | |
| FL | 15 | |
| IL | 12 | |
| NJ | 11 | |
| NY | 8 | |
| GA | 6 | |
| PA | 5 | |
| TN | 5 | |
| WA | 5 | |
| MD | 5 | |
| NV | 5 |