Rising since 1992, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Zahirah since 1991
Babies named Zahirah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 54 |
| 2000s | 118 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Zahirah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'shining' or 'radiant.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1991, reaching its peak popularity in 2010. As of 2025, it ranks 13,208 with about 1 in 267,878 girls receiving the name. The name has shown a rising trajectory since 1992, reflecting increased interest in Arabic names. While it does not have a strong association with any particular U.S. state, its elegant sound and meaningful root make it a distinctive choice among modern parents seeking a name with cultural depth.
Zahirah is a feminine name of Arabic origin, derived from the root Z-H-R (ظ-ه-ر) which conveys the idea of shining, blooming, or appearing. It is the feminine form of Zahir, meaning 'bright' or 'shining.' The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and is a direct Quranic name, appearing in the Quran in the context of brightness and clarity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zara, Zahra, Zizi, Hira
Sibling names for Zahirah
Names that share Zahirah's style, for a brother or sister.
