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Zahira

♀ Girl

Pronounced zah-HEER-ah /zɑˈhɪr.ɑ/High

Meaning: From Arabic zahir/zahira — 'radiant, shining, blossoming' (also read 'helper, supporter')Medium

In 30 seconds: In radiant bloom: Zahira is Arabic for the shining, blossoming one — with a 'helper' reading folded in. Luminous, floral, and generous at once.

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Origin HighArabic

MeaningFrom Arabic zahir/zahira — 'radiant, shining, blossoming' (also read 'helper, supporter')

U.S. rank (2025)#3709 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births41 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,225

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

Zahira comes from Arabic — feminine of zahir, 'radiant, shining, evident', kin to zahrah, 'blossom', with a second reading 'helper, supporter'. A glowing classic across the Arab world.

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, radiant at the root, and blooming.

Did you know? Zahira shares its root with Zahra — Fatima az-Zahra, 'the radiant', the Prophet's daughter — a whole family of names that glow.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Zahira — etymology

Variations

ZahraZaheeraZahirah

Nicknames

ZaraHira

Famous Bearers

★Zahira Hakki (1937-2020)
Turkish actress and the first female judge in Turkey, known for her cultural contributions

If you like Zahira…

Zahra— the 'radiant blossom' root-sister

Zara— the sleek crossover cousin

Zahara— the flowing elaboration

Samira— a fellow melodic Arabic classic

Explore names like Zahira

By themearabic floral light

By meaningLight Flower

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Zahira mean?

Zahira is Arabic for 'radiant, shining, blossoming', with a 'helper' reading as well.

How do you pronounce Zahira?

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

Is Zahira a boy or girl name?

Zahira is a girl's name.

How popular is Zahira?

Zahira is a rare name in the U.S.