Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zara
GirlArabic, Hebrew· “radiant, or form of Sarah”
- Meaning
- radiant, or form of Sarah (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Arabic, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ZAHR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #212
- US babies 2025
- 1,432
- Best rank
- #201 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Zara
Zara is often said to mean “radiant, or form of Sarah”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and Hebrew roots.
Zara has several proposed origins, and its meaning is uncertain. It is often linked to the Arabic zahra, meaning flower or radiant, and it is also seen as a form of Sarah, the Hebrew name meaning princess, possibly by way of Zaïre, the heroine of a play by Voltaire. The name is widely used in Britain, where it gained attention through Zara Tindall of the royal family, and the Spanish fashion brand Zara has made the word familiar worldwide. Zara is short, stylish and easy to pronounce, with both ZAHR-uh and ZAIR-uh in use.
Other spellings with the same sound: Zarah.
Popularity over time
Zara first appears in US Social Security records in 1896. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 2005. Its best national rank was #201 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,441 babies. In 2025, 1,432 babies were named Zara, and it ranked #212 nationally. That is 77% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,091 in 1920, #6,103 in 1950, #2,939 in 1980, #1,517 in 2000, #719 in 2010, and #212 in 2025. Of the 20,930 US girls named Zara since records began, 40% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 8,239 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Leia, Kamila, Aspen, Journee, and Zuri.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zara ranked highest in District of Columbia, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #108 | 8 |
| North Dakota | #116 | 9 |
| Pennsylvania | #123 | 84 |
| Rhode Island | #149 | 7 |
| Virginia | #159 | 51 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zara is usually pronounced ZAHR-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Zarah.
Middle names for Zara
A few middle names that flow with Zara: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zara
Similar names
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Lists that include Zara
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zara mean?
Zara is often said to mean “radiant, or form of Sarah”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Arabic and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Zara?
Zara has Arabic and Hebrew roots. Zara has several proposed origins, and its meaning is uncertain.
Is Zara a popular name?
Yes. Zara ranked #212 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zara a boy or girl name?
Zara is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zara?
Zara is usually pronounced ZAHR-uh. 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