MallowbyNames

Zarinah

zah-REE-nah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Zarina, which may be of Persian origin meaning 'golden'.

Peak popularity
1978
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Zarinah since 1976

Babies named Zarinah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61117198020002020Most births 1978Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s55
1980s86
1990s20
2000s11
2010s12
2020s5

Meaning & origin

Zarinah is a delicate and uncommon name, first recorded in the United States in 1976 with a peak in usage the following year 1978. Its trajectory has remained stable since then, never reaching the national rankings and not appearing in any top state data. The name likely derives from the Persian root for 'golden', tying it to a tradition of names like Zarina and Zareena. Its rarity gives it a distinctive quality, appealing to parents seeking something unique without straying far from familiar sounds. Despite its scarcity, Zarinah carries a melodic resonance that fits comfortably alongside more established Arabic and Persian names.

Zarinah is a feminine name of disputed origin. It is most likely a variant of Zarina, a name found across the Arabic- and Persian-speaking worlds. Zarina is often associated with the Persian word 'zar' meaning 'gold', thus 'golden'. In some contexts, it may also be considered a feminine form of Zarin. The name has been used in recent decades but remains rare, first recorded in the United States in the mid-1970s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zari, Rina, Zaza

Variants: Zarina, Zareena, Zarah

Sibling names for Zarinah

Names that share Zarinah's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Z is for Zarinah, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Zarinah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Zarinah's letter becomes Zarinah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Zarinah mean?
The meaning of Zarinah is uncertain, but it is commonly thought to mean 'golden', derived from the Persian word 'zar'.
Is Zarinah a popular name?
Zarinah is very rare. It was first recorded in the U.S. in 1976 but has not ranked in the top 1,000 names for any year. Its peak usage was in 1978.
Is Zarinah a boy or girl name?
Zarinah is used exclusively for girls.