Zahir

♂ Boy

Pronounced zah-HEER /zɑːˈhɪər/High

Meaning: From Arabic zahir (ظاهِر), meaning 'radiant,' 'shining,' or 'apparent'; also a form of the Arabic root z-h-r related to support and help; Al-Zahir is one of the 99 names of Allah meaning 'The Manifest One'High

In 30 seconds: Zahir is a luminous Arabic name meaning 'radiant' or 'manifest,' carrying the dignity of one of the divine names of Allah. Strong, melodic, and increasingly recognized across cultures, it is a beautiful choice with deep Islamic roots.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic zahir (ظاهِر), meaning 'radiant,' 'shining,' or 'apparent'; also a form of the Arabic root z-h-r related to support and help; Al-Zahir is one of the 99 names of Allah meaning 'The Manifest One'

U.S. rank (2025)#738 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births356 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,773

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Zahir is an Arabic name from the root z-h-r, meaning radiance, manifestation, and support. It appears in the Quran and Islamic tradition as one of the divine names. The name has been used across the Arab world, South Asia, and the broader Muslim world for centuries.

In the United States, Zahir has been growing steadily in Muslim American communities and has attracted wider attention for its strong sound and positive meaning. Author Paulo Coelho's novel The Zahir (2005) also gave the name literary visibility.

Did you know? Al-Zahir (The Manifest One) is one of the 99 names of Allah in Islam, representing the divine quality of being outwardly evident and radiant. Naming a son Zahir thus bestows a name connected to divine radiance — a meaningful act in Muslim naming tradition.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Zahir — etymology and Islamic significanceU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZaheerZaherDhahir

Nicknames

ZahiZar

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zahir…

Zaid— shares the Arabic Z-initial dignity and the same strong Islamic naming heritage

Tamir— fellow melodic Arabic-root masculine name with a similarly radiant positive meaning

Rashid— shares the classic Arabic Islamic name tradition and the same dignified two-syllable sound

Kareem— parallel Arabic name with a divine attribute meaning in the same Islamic tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zahir mean?

Zahir means 'radiant,' 'shining,' or 'manifest' in Arabic. Al-Zahir is one of the 99 names of Allah, meaning 'The Manifest One.'

How do you pronounce Zahir?

Zahir is pronounced zah-HEER /zɑːˈhɪər/ — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Zahir an Islamic name?

Yes, Zahir is a deeply Islamic name. Al-Zahir is one of the 99 divine attributes of Allah, making it a spiritually significant choice in Muslim tradition.

Is Zahir a popular name?

Zahir has been growing in Muslim American communities and is gaining wider recognition as Arabic names gain broader appreciation.