Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Zahir
BoyArabic· “evident, shining”
- Meaning
- evident, shining
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- zuh-HEER
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #738
- US babies 2025
- 356
- Best rank
- #738 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Zahir
Zahir is an Arabic name that means “evident, shining”.
Zahir is an Arabic name meaning evident, apparent or shining. Az-Zahir, the Manifest, is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, and the name has been used in the Muslim world for centuries. Zahir Shah was the last king of Afghanistan. The name has a strong, confident sound, with stress on the second syllable. It feels dignified and modern, suited to families who want a name with Arabic roots and a clear meaning. Zah and Zee are possible nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Zahir first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 9 different years, starting in 2017. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #738, and its highest count, 356 babies. Use has grown 133% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #6,240 in 1980, #1,798 in 2000, #1,262 in 2010, and #738 in 2025. Of the 4,777 US boys named Zahir since records began, 39% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,691 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yousef, Yehuda, Bode, Jahmir, and Azaiah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zahir ranked highest in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #324 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #409 | 13 |
| Georgia | #463 | 24 |
| Louisiana | #530 | 9 |
| New Jersey | #542 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Zahir is usually pronounced zuh-HEER, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ir”.
Middle names for Zahir
A few middle names that flow with Zahir: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zahir
Similar names
Amir Boy
uh-MEER
“prince, commander” · Arabic
#105
Nasir Boy
nah-SEER
“helper, supporter” · Arabic
#487
Samir Boy
suh-MEER
“companion in evening talk” · Arabic
#643
Emir Boy
eh-MEER
“prince, commander” · Arabic
#551
Kabir Boy
kuh-BEER
“great” · Arabic
#999
Yasir Boy
YAH-seer
“wealthy; easy” · Arabic
#1,158
Mahir Boy
mah-HEER
“skilled” · Arabic
#1,405
Omar Boy
OH-mahr
“long-lived; flourishing” · Arabic
#260
Ali Boy
AH-lee
“exalted, high” · Arabic
#306
Khalil Boy
kuh-LEEL
“friend” · Arabic
#384
Kairo Boy
KY-roh
“modern spelling of Cairo” · American (modern coinage)
#226
Salem Unisex
SAY-luhm
“peace” · Hebrew
#436
Lists that include Zahir
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zahir mean?
Zahir is an Arabic name that means “evident, shining”.
What is the origin of the name Zahir?
Zahir has Arabic roots. Zahir is an Arabic name meaning evident, apparent or shining.
Is Zahir a popular name?
Yes. Zahir ranked #738 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zahir a boy or girl name?
Zahir is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Zahir?
Zahir is usually pronounced zuh-HEER. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings