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Zahara

♀ Girl

Pronounced zuh-HAR-uh /zəˈhɑːr.ə/High

Meaning: Flower; radiance; to bloom; from Arabic zahara (to flower, to shine) and Hebrew zohar (radiance, light)High

In 30 seconds: An Arabic-Hebrew name meaning 'flower,' 'radiance,' and 'to bloom,' carrying both the beauty of a flower and the warmth of shining light. Known in the U.S. as the name of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's adopted daughter.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningFlower; radiance; to bloom; from Arabic zahara (to flower, to shine) and Hebrew zohar (radiance, light)

U.S. rank (2025)#1289 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births174 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,606

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Zahara derives from Arabic zahara (to flower, to bloom, to shine) and Hebrew zohar (radiance, light). The Zohar (meaning: Book of Radiance) is the foundational text of Jewish mystical Kabbalah. As a given name it is used in Arabic, Hebrew, and East African communities.

Zahara entered wider American consciousness through the adoption by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in 2005. It ranked #1208 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Zahara Jolie-Pitt was born in 2005 in Ethiopia and adopted by Angelina Jolie — her name, meaning 'flower' in Arabic, helped introduce this beautiful name to Western audiences and sent it soaring on U.S. charts.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Zahara — Arabic/Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZahraZara

Nicknames

ZaraHara

Famous Bearers

★Zahara Jolie (2005–present)
Born in Ethiopia in 2005 and adopted by Angelina Jolie, with Brad Pitt also adopting her in 2006. Her adoption brought wide attention to the name.

If you like Zahara…

Zahra— the short form of the same Arabic flower/shine root

Zara— the short Arabic name sharing the Za- root

Sakura— Japanese cherry blossom name in the same flowering category

Flora— Latin flower goddess name in the same botanical-luminous tradition

Amara— three-syllable African name with the same warm radiance

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Zahara mean?

Zahara means 'flower,' 'radiance,' or 'to bloom,' from Arabic zahara (to flower, to shine) and Hebrew zohar (radiance).

How do you pronounce Zahara?

It's said zuh-HAR-uh — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Zahara a boy or girl name?

Zahara is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Zahara?

Zahara ranked #1208 for U.S. girls in 2024.