Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Zariah
GirlAmerican (modern coinage)· “uncertain; modern name”
- Meaning
- uncertain; modern name (origin disputed)
- Origin
- American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- zuh-RY-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #450
- US babies 2025
- 689
- Best rank
- #407 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Zariah
Zariah is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
Zariah is a modern name used mainly in the United States. It may have grown from names like Zara, Zaria or Mariah, and some link it to the Hebrew Zerah or to Zaria, a city in Nigeria. Because these explanations compete, the name's meaning is best considered uncertain. It became fashionable alongside similar names like Aniyah and Amiyah, with a stressed middle syllable and a flowing ending. Zariah has a bright, modern feel. Zari and Ria are easy nicknames, and it pairs well with short, classic middle names.
Popularity over time
Zariah first appears in US Social Security records in 1992. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 22 different years, starting in 2004. Its best national rank was #407 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 750 babies. In 2025, 689 babies were named Zariah, and it ranked #450 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,194 in 2000, #491 in 2010, and #450 in 2025. Of the 14,164 US girls named Zariah since records began, 46% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,073 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Maia, Xiomara, Mylah, Saige, and Oaklee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zariah ranked highest in New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #142 | 11 |
| Oklahoma | #295 | 15 |
| Connecticut | #297 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #330 | 14 |
| South Carolina | #331 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Zariah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Zariah is usually pronounced zuh-RY-uh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Zariah
A few middle names that flow with Zariah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zariah
Similar names
Aniyah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“modern coinage, possibly from Anya” · American (modern coinage)
#485
Amiyah Girl
uh-MY-uh
“modern variant of Amaya or Amia” · American (modern coinage)
#620
Maliyah Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary” · American (modern coinage)
#626
Nylah Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#504
Alayah Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#412
Aleah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#965
Kaliyah Girl
kuh-LEE-uh
“modern blend of Ka- and Aaliyah” · American (modern coinage)
#392
Ariah Girl
AR-ee-uh
“modern variant of Aria” · American (modern coinage)
#636
Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Mylah Girl
MY-luh
“variant of Mila or Myla” · American (modern coinage)
#605
Aliah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“variant of Aaliyah; exalted” · Arabic
#1,192
Naveah Girl
nuh-VAY-uh
“variant of Nevaeh, heaven spelled backward” · American (modern coinage)
#2,146
Lists that include Zariah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zariah mean?
Zariah is often said to mean “uncertain; modern name”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Zariah?
Zariah has modern American roots. Zariah is a modern name used mainly in the United States.
Is Zariah a popular name?
Yes. Zariah ranked #450 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zariah a boy or girl name?
Zariah is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Zariah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Zariah?
Zariah is usually pronounced zuh-RY-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