Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zaira
GirlItalian, Arabic
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Italian, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ZY-ruh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,081
- US babies 2025
- 224
- Best rank
- #1,081 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Zaira
Zaira is usually linked to Italian and Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Zaira is uncertain. It may be connected with Arabic roots, and the name is sometimes linked to Zahra, meaning flower or radiance, though that is not certain. It was known in European culture through Voltaire's tragedy Zaïre and Bellini's opera Zaira, which gave it a romantic, theatrical flavor. In modern use it appears in Italian, Spanish and Arabic-speaking communities. Zaira sounds soft and exotic, with a flowing two-syllable rhythm. Zara and Zaza make lively nicknames.
Popularity over time
Zaira first appears in US Social Security records in 1969. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #1,081, and its highest count, 224 babies. Use has grown 60% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #4,326 in 1980, #1,718 in 2000, #1,378 in 2010, and #1,081 in 2025. Of the 4,986 US girls named Zaira since records began, 28% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,345 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Xochitl, Nayla, Aira, Annelise, and Arlett.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zaira ranked highest in Nevada, California, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #507 | 6 |
| California | #615 | 52 |
| Illinois | #747 | 13 |
| New York | #901 | 18 |
| Texas | #916 | 32 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zaira is usually pronounced ZY-ruh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Zaira
A few middle names that flow with Zaira: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zaira
Similar names
Chiara Girl
KYAHR-uh
“bright, clear” · Italian
#1,066
Yusra Girl
YOOS-ruh
“ease, prosperity” · Arabic
#1,021
Saira Girl
SY-ruh
Arabic
#2,320
Isra Girl
IHZ-ruh
“night journey” · Arabic
#1,463
Sidra Girl
SID-ruh
“of the stars” · Latin
#1,366
Azra Girl
AZ-ruh
“maiden, virgin” · Arabic
#2,587
Noura Girl
NOOR-uh
“light” · Arabic
#2,232
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
#212
Kara Girl
KEHR-uh
“dear, beloved” · Latin
#1,075
Sandra Girl
SAN-druh
“defender of men” · Italian
#1,210
Cara Girl
KAHR-uh
“friend; dear” · Irish
#1,326
Zahra Girl
ZAH-ruh
“flower; radiant” · Arabic
#540
Lists that include Zaira
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zaira mean?
Zaira is usually linked to Italian and Arabic roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Zaira?
Zaira has Italian and Arabic roots. The origin of Zaira is uncertain.
Is Zaira a popular name?
Not especially. Zaira ranked #1,081 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Zaira a boy or girl name?
Zaira is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zaira?
Zaira is usually pronounced ZY-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