Zohar Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ZOH-ar //zoʊˈhɑr//
Origin: Hebrew; Arabic
Meaning: light; brightness (Hebrew); shining (Arabic)
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Zohar has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the word "זֹהַר" (zohar), which translates to "light" or "brightness." This term is found in various contexts within Hebrew scripture, often symbolizing divine illumination or enlightenment. The name entered the English lexicon through transliteration from Hebrew, particularly as Jewish communities migrated and integrated into English-speaking societies, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Historically, Zohar is notably associated with the mystical text known as the "Zohar," which is a foundational work of Kabbalah, attributed to the 2nd-century sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. This text, written in Aramaic, was first published in the late 13th century in Spain by the Jewish mystic Moses de Leon.
The Zohar has had a profound impact on Jewish thought and spirituality, influencing various aspects of Jewish mysticism and philosophy through the centuries. Culturally, the name Zohar embodies themes of enlightenment and spiritual illumination, resonating with the Jewish tradition of seeking wisdom and understanding.
The name's association with light has made it a symbol of hope and clarity in various contexts. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Zohari may be used affectionately, reflecting familial or intimate connections.
Overall, Zohar carries significant historical and cultural weight, representing both a linguistic heritage and a deep spiritual legacy.
Famous people named Zohar
In this section, you will find notable people named Zohar. 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 Zohar who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Zohar 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.
Zohar Argov is a singer best known for his influence on Israeli music and his hit songs like 'Hallelujah' and 'Kahol ve-Lavan'.
Zohar Shtrauss is an actor best known for his roles in films such as 'The Band's Visit' and 'The Debt'.
Zohar Ziv is a former professional football player best known for his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Israeli national team.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Zohar, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Zohar was first seen in the United States in 2001.
Zohar has ranked as high as #1368 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in New York, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Zohar has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Zohar 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 Zohar was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Zohar (2010)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 7 |
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 Zohar.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2017 | 11 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2010 | 16 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2007 | 20 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2004 | 10 |
| 2001 | 8 |