Rising since 1999, #2,572 for boys today.
Popularity of Zair since 1999
Babies named Zair per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 155 |
| 2010s | 264 |
| 2020s | 221 |
Meaning & origin
Zair first entered the U.S. baby name records in 1999, and as of 2025 it ranks 2,572, with about 1 in every 33,492 newborn boys receiving the name. Its trajectory has been steadily rising since its debut (a rising trajectory since 1999). The name reached its peak usage in 2025, the same year as the latest data. Geographically, Zair is most popular in Florida, one of the top states for the name. While its origins are debated, it likely functions as a modern simplified spelling of Zaire, a name that gained familiarity through the African country. Zair remains a rare but increasingly chosen name for boys, appealing to parents seeking a unique, contemporary sound with a possible nod to African heritage.
Zair is a modern given name, likely a simplified spelling of Zaire or an invented variant. Zaire itself is derived from the Kongo word 'nzadi' or 'nzere,' meaning 'the river that swallows all rivers,' referring to the Congo River. The name gained some visibility after the African country Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) was in the news. However, as a baby name, Zair has been used sparingly since the late 1990s in the United States, likely as a unique spelling choice.
Where Zair is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zair” around the world
Where Zair lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Zaire, Zayr
Sibling names for Zair
Names that share Zair's style, for a brother or sister.
