Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Zaynab

Zaynab

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZAY-nab /ˈzeɪ.næb/Medium

Meaning: from Arabic, traditionally the name of a fragrant flowering plant; also associated with beautyMedium

In 30 seconds: Zaynab is an Arabic girl's name traditionally tied to a fragrant flowering plant and long associated with beauty.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumArabic
Meaningfrom Arabic, traditionally the name of a fragrant flowering plant; also associated with beauty
U.S. rank (2025)#1492 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births144 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,508

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201619822025

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

The name comes from Arabic, where it has long been linked to a sweet-smelling flowering plant, with an added sense of beauty. It has been carried across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries and remains a familiar, well-loved choice. The spelling shifts depending on region and transliteration.

You will see it written as Zainab, Zeineb, Zineb, or Zeynab depending on language and local pronunciation, all pointing back to the same Arabic root. The soft middle and firm closing consonant give it a gentle but grounded sound.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Zaynab is 'beauty', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Zaynab — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSV

Variations

ZainabZeinebZinebZeynəbZeynab

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • ★Zaynab bint Ali (626-682)
    granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, prominent in the events of Karbala
  • ★Zainab Johnson (1992-)
    American stand-up comedian and actress

If you like Zaynab…

Zainab— the most common English transliteration of the same Arabic name
Azul— shares Zaynab's Arabic roots
Marwa— shares Zaynab's Arabic roots
Yasmeen— a fellow Arabic choice
Arwa— a fellow Arabic choice

Explore names like Zaynab

By themenature
By meaningFlowerBeauty

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zaynab mean?

Zaynab is usually explained as meaning 'beauty' and is most often linked with Arabic [1] tradition.

How do you pronounce Zaynab?

It's commonly said ZAY-nab /ˈzeɪ.næb/.

Is Zaynab a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Zaynab is used as a girl name.

How popular is Zaynab?

In 2024, Zaynab ranked #1548 in the U.S. for girls, with 138 births recorded.

💬 Ask Nia