Zahra

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZAH-rah /ˈzɑː.rə/High

Meaning: From Arabic Zahra, derived from the root z-h-r meaning 'to bloom' or 'to shine,' giving meanings of 'blooming flower,' 'radiance,' and 'brightness'; a deeply revered name in Islamic tradition as a title of Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet MuhammadHigh

In 30 seconds: Zahra is a luminous Arabic name meaning 'blooming flower' and 'radiance,' borne by Fatimah al-Zahra, the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Soft, two-syllable, and universally beautiful.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic Zahra, derived from the root z-h-r meaning 'to bloom' or 'to shine,' giving meanings of 'blooming flower,' 'radiance,' and 'brightness'; a deeply revered name in Islamic tradition as a title of Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad

U.S. rank (2025)#540 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births562 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,393

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Zahra derives from Arabic z-h-r, the root meaning 'to bloom,' 'to shine,' and 'to flower.' It is most deeply associated with Fatimah al-Zahra, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali ibn Abi Talib, revered as one of the holiest women in Islam. The name spread across the Islamic world — from Morocco to Indonesia — carried by this profound religious association.

Zahra has been a common name across the Arab world, Iran, Turkey, and South Asia for over a millennium. In the United States, it entered the charts in the 1990s and has been rising steadily with the growth of Muslim immigrant communities. It ranks in the top 200 for girls and is celebrated both for its spiritual resonance and its beautiful, accessible two-syllable sound.

Did you know? Fatimah al-Zahra ('Fatimah the Radiant'), daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, is one of the most revered figures in all of Islam — venerated by both Sunni and Shia Muslims — making Zahra one of the most spiritually significant names a Muslim family can choose.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Zahra — etymology and Islamic contextU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZaraZahrahZahraa

Nicknames

ZaraZee

Famous Bearers

★Fatimah al-Zahra (c. 605–632 CE)
Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, revered as one of the holiest women in Islamic tradition.

If you like Zahra…

Zara— the most direct phonetic variant of the same Arabic root name

Layla— two-syllable Arabic girls' name with the same lyrical, cross-cultural appeal

Amira— Arabic feminine name meaning 'princess,' equally rooted in Islamic naming tradition

Yasmin— Arabic/Persian floral girls' name with the same elegant brevity and global reach

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zahra mean?

Zahra comes from Arabic z-h-r meaning 'to bloom' and 'to shine,' signifying 'radiant flower.' It is a title of Fatimah, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, revered in Islam.

How do you pronounce Zahra?

It is said ZAH-rah — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Zahra a boy or girl name?

Zahra is used exclusively as a girls' name across Arabic and Islamic traditions.

How popular is Zahra?

Zahra ranks in the U.S. top 200 for girls and has been rising steadily, especially in Muslim and Middle Eastern communities.