Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zahra
GirlArabic, Persian· “flower; radiant”
- Meaning
- flower; radiant
- Origin
- Arabic, Persian
- Pronunciation
- ZAH-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #540
- US babies 2025
- 562
- Best rank
- #540 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Zahra
Zahra is an Arabic and Persian name that is usually said to mean “flower; radiant”.
Zahra is an Arabic name often translated as "flower" or "blossom," and it is also associated with brightness, as in the adjective zahra, meaning "radiant" or "shining." It is famous as an epithet of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Fatimah al-Zahra, "the radiant one." The name is widely used in the Arab world, Iran, South Asia and among Muslim families everywhere. Zahra has a warm, elegant sound and a meaning that suggests beauty and light. It is short and easy to pronounce in many languages.
Popularity over time
Zahra first appears in US Social Security records in 1973. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 2012. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #540, and its highest count, 562 babies. Use has grown 37% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #5,244 in 1980, #1,576 in 2000, #1,114 in 2010, and #540 in 2025. Of the 9,395 US girls named Zahra since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 3,062 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lylah, Amoura, Iyla, Reina, and Capri.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zahra ranked highest in Virginia, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #245 | 34 |
| New York | #275 | 62 |
| New Jersey | #275 | 31 |
| Massachusetts | #301 | 20 |
| Michigan | #329 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zahra is usually pronounced ZAH-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Zahra
A few middle names that flow with Zahra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zahra
Similar names
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Sidra Girl
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Lists that include Zahra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zahra mean?
Zahra is an Arabic and Persian name that is usually said to mean “flower; radiant”.
What is the origin of the name Zahra?
Zahra has Arabic and Persian roots. Zahra is an Arabic name often translated as "flower" or "blossom," and it is also associated with brightness, as in the adjective zahra, meaning "radiant" or "shining." It is famous as an epithet of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Fatimah al-Zahra, "the radiant one." The name is widely used in the Arab world, Iran, South Asia and among Muslim families everywhere.
Is Zahra a popular name?
Yes. Zahra ranked #540 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zahra a boy or girl name?
Zahra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zahra?
Zahra is usually pronounced ZAH-ruh. 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