Zara

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZAH-ruh /ˈzɑːr.ə/High

Meaning: Princess; blooming flower; from Arabic Zahra (flower, blossom) or Hebrew Sara/Zara (princess)High

In 30 seconds: A radiant name meaning 'princess' or 'blooming flower,' blending Arabic and Hebrew roots. Princess Zara of the British royal family and the global fashion brand have given it high-profile international appeal.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningPrincess; blooming flower; from Arabic Zahra (flower, blossom) or Hebrew Sara/Zara (princess)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,062

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Zara has two main origin traditions. In Arabic, Zahra (a related form) means 'flower' or 'blossom,' and Zara as a variant carries this floral meaning. In Hebrew tradition, Zara/Zorah/Zerah is connected to the word for 'dawn' or 'east' and may be a variant form of Sarah ('princess'). Both traditions are plausible roots.

Zara has been used in both Arab and Jewish communities for centuries. In the English-speaking world it gained visibility through Zara Phillips (b. 1981), granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. The fashion brand Zara (founded 1975 in Spain) also gave the name a luxurious, modern connotation. In the United States it has been rising since the 2000s and is now in the top 200 girls' names.

Did you know? Zara Phillips — now Zara Tindall — was named by her parents Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips; she was the first British royal grandchild born to parents without royal titles, in 1981.

Variations

ZahraZariZaira

Nicknames

ZeeZ

Famous Bearers

★Zara Tindall (née Phillips) (b. 1981)
British equestrian, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and Olympic silver medalist (2012).

If you like Zara…

Sara— same Semitic princess etymology from the Hebrew tradition

Layla— Arabic feminine name with the same exotic, melodic quality

Amara— international feminine name with a similarly bright, global appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zara mean?

Zara means 'princess' from Hebrew (variant of Sara) or 'blooming flower' from Arabic Zahra. Both traditions contribute to the name's meaning.

How do you pronounce Zara?

Zara is pronounced ZAH-ruh (/ˈzɑːr.ə/) — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Zara a boy or girl name?

Zara is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Zara?

Zara has been rising in the U.S. since the 2000s and is now in the top 200 girls' names, also popular in the UK and the Arab world.