Declining since 2007, #3,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Zahira since 1975
Babies named Zahira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 80 |
| 1990s | 124 |
| 2000s | 411 |
| 2010s | 371 |
| 2020s | 235 |
Meaning & origin
Zahira is a feminine Arabic name meaning 'radiant' or 'blooming', derived from the same root as Zahrah ('flower'). It entered the U.S. naming records in 1975, but its peak year was 2008 (rank 2,801). Since then, its usage has followed a steady downward trajectory, ranking 3,645th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 39,202 newborns given the name. The name is most popular in Texas, reflecting a broader concentration in states with significant Arabic-speaking communities. Zahira remains a distinctive choice, appreciated for its melodic sound and luminous meaning, without ever entering the top 1,000.
Zahira is a feminine Arabic name derived from the root ẓ-h-r, which conveys the idea of radiance, brightness, and flourishing. It is closely related to Zahrah (meaning 'flower' or 'blossom') and Zahi (meaning 'brilliant' or 'splendid'). The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and is also found in other Muslim-majority regions, often chosen for its positive connotations of light and beauty.
Where Zahira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zahira” around the world
Where Zahira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zara, Zizi, Hira
Sibling names for Zahira
Names that share Zahira's style, for a brother or sister.
