MallowbyNames

Nadirah

nah-DEE-rah · Rare, precious, or unique.

Peak popularity
1978
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 1994

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.

112233198020002020Most births 1991Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s97
1980s209
1990s268
2000s181
2010s76
2020s36

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.

Sisters: Amira, Layla, Zahra, Samira, Nadia

Brothers: Amir, Zahir, Jamil, Rashid, Karim

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

N is for Nadirah, our favorite little girl.

N is for Nadirah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Nadirah's letter becomes Nadirah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Nadirah's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Nadirah mean?
Nadirah means 'rare,' 'precious,' or 'unique' in Arabic.
How popular is Nadirah right now?
Nadirah has not ranked in the U.S. top 1000 in recent years. It was most popular in 1978, its peak year.
Is Nadirah a boy's or girl's name?
Nadirah is predominantly a girl's name.