Rising since 1985, #1,080 for girls today.
Popularity of Zaira since 1969
Babies named Zaira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 58 |
| 1980s | 194 |
| 1990s | 841 |
| 2000s | 1,345 |
| 2010s | 1,393 |
| 2020s | 1,150 |
Meaning & origin
Zaira is a name of debated origin, with possible roots in Arabic, Hebrew, and Slavic languages. In the United States, it was first recorded in 1969 but remained rare until the mid-1980s, after which it began a steady climb in popularity. The name reached its peak rank of 1080 in 2025, with about 1 in every 7,175 baby girls receiving the name. Zaira has shown particular popularity in Nevada, California, and Illinois, reflecting a multicultural appeal. Its lyrical sound and cross-cultural resonance make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name that feels both distinctive and accessible.
Zaira is a name with multiple possible etymologies. It may derive from the Arabic 'Zahra' meaning 'flower' or 'blooming,' or from the Hebrew 'Zaira' meaning 'small' or 'little.' In Slavic contexts, it can be a variant of 'Zara' or 'Zorica' meaning 'dawn.' The name has been used across various cultures and saw a steady rise in popularity in the United States beginning in the 1980s.
Where Zaira is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zaira” around the world
Where Zaira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zai, Zizi, RaRa
Sibling names for Zaira
Names that share Zaira's style, for a brother or sister.
