Rising since 1985, #1,427 for girls today.
Popularity of Zarah since 1968
Babies named Zarah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 10 |
| 1970s | 35 |
| 1980s | 117 |
| 1990s | 204 |
| 2000s | 505 |
| 2010s | 1,107 |
| 2020s | 979 |
Meaning & origin
Zarah is a name with multiple potential origins, most commonly linked to Arabic 'zahrah' (flower) or as a variant of the Hebrew Sarah (princess). While its first recorded US use was in 1968, the name remained rare until the late 20th century. Since 1985, Zarah has been on an upward trajectory, reaching its peak rank in 2022. In 2025, it stood at rank 1,427 with a 1-in-10,644 frequency, placing it in the moderate popularity tier. The name is most popular in Nevada, Oregon, and Maryland. Its melodic sound and multicultural appeal have contributed to its steady rise, though it remains distinctive compared to more common variants like Zara.
Zarah likely originates from the Arabic word 'zahrah' (زهرة), meaning 'flower' or 'blossom'. In Hebrew, it can be considered a variant of Sarah, meaning 'princess'. The name has been used across various cultures, often as a spelling variant of Zahra or Zara. Its usage in the United States has been sporadic, with a notable rise in the late 20th century.
Where Zarah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zarah” around the world
Where Zarah 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, Zari, Rah
Sibling names for Zarah
Names that share Zarah's style, for a brother or sister.
