Rising since 1987, #2,298 for girls today.
Popularity of Zarina since 1966
Babies named Zarina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 113 |
| 1990s | 178 |
| 2000s | 286 |
| 2010s | 575 |
| 2020s | 403 |
Meaning & origin
Zarina is a name of Persian origin meaning 'golden', with roots in the word 'zar' for gold. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1966 and has been steadily rising in popularity since 1987, reflecting a broader trend for names ending in 'ina'. The name hit its peak rank in 2015, and in 2025 it ranked 2,298 with a frequency of 1 in 20,345 births. Zarina is most popular in Florida, California, and New York, states with large Persian and Muslim communities. Its sound-alike connection to Zara and Zahra has boosted its use among families seeking a name that feels both exotic and accessible.
Zarina derives from the Persian word 'zar' (gold), often rendered as 'golden' or 'of gold'. It also appears in Arabic contexts as a variant of Zahra ('flower' or 'blooming'). The name has been used across Central and South Asia, and gained visibility in the West during the 20th century. As a variant of Zara or Zahra, it shares a sound pattern with many fashionable modern names.
Where Zarina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zarina” around the world
Where Zarina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zari, Rina, Zaz
Sibling names for Zarina
Names that share Zarina's style, for a brother or sister.
