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Zaheer

♂ Boy

Pronounced zah-HEER /zɑˈhɪr/Medium

Meaning: From Arabic zahir, 'radiant, shining, luminous; manifest', and/or zahir, 'a helper, a supporter, a protector'; routes layeredMedium

In 30 seconds: Radiant and supportive: Zaheer is Arabic for 'radiant, shining' (and 'a helper'). Bright, dignified, and warm.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic zahir, 'radiant, shining, luminous; manifest', and/or zahir, 'a helper, a supporter, a protector'; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#4392 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births24 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 342

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

Zaheer comes from Arabic zahir, 'radiant, shining, luminous; manifest, evident', and overlaps a related sense, 'a helper, a supporter, a protector' (routes layered, which we note). A bright, dignified name across the Arab and South Asian world (cricketer Zaheer Khan; said 'zah-HEER').

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, radiant-or-a-helper at the root, and bright.

Did you know? Zaheer means 'radiant, shining, luminous; manifest' in Arabic — and, by a related root, 'a helper, a supporter'; a bright, dignified name (cricketer Zaheer Khan).

Overall data confidence 72%

Arabic references — Zahir — routes layered

Variations

ZahirZaheirZaheer

Nicknames

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If you like Zaheer…

Zahir— the standard spelling

Nasir— the 'helper' Arabic name

Munir— the 'shining' Arabic name

Haider— shares the -er ending

Yasser— shares the -er ending

Explore names like Zaheer

By themeuncertain arabic light

By meaningLight Protector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Zaheer mean?

Zaheer is Arabic for 'radiant, shining', and 'a helper, a supporter'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Zaheer?

It's said zah-HEER /zɑˈhɪr/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Zaheer a boy or girl name?

Zaheer is a boy's name.

How popular is Zaheer?

Zaheer is a rare name in the U.S.