Declining since 1994.
Popularity of Nadirah since 1976
Babies named Nadirah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1991, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nadirah's real moment was 1978.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 97 |
| 1980s | 209 |
| 1990s | 268 |
| 2000s | 181 |
| 2010s | 76 |
| 2020s | 36 |
Meaning & origin
Nadirah, a feminine name of Arabic origin, first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976. Its meaning, 'rare' or 'precious,' reflects a distinctive quality that has appealed to families drawn to meaningful names. The name reached its peak popularity in 1978, though it did not enter the top 1000, ranking at a lower frequency. Since 1994, its usage has been steadily falling, making it an uncommon choice in recent decades. Nadirah remains closely related to its root name Nadir and shares phonetic and thematic connections with more widely used names like Nadia. While it has not been borne by famous figures in mainstream American culture, its elegant sound and positive meaning continue to attract parents seeking a name with depth and cultural resonance.
Nadirah is a feminine form of Nadir, derived from the Arabic root n-d-r meaning 'rare' or 'precious.' The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world, particularly in the 20th century, as a given name both for its literal meaning and its association with the concept of rarity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nadi, Dira
Variants: Nadira, Nadiara
Sibling names for Nadirah
Names that share Nadirah's style, for a brother or sister.

