Rising since 1985, #3,780 for girls today.
Popularity of Zayra since 1981
Babies named Zayra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 62 |
| 1990s | 298 |
| 2000s | 616 |
| 2010s | 466 |
| 2020s | 241 |
Meaning & origin
Zayra first appeared in U.S. records in 1981 and has been gradually rising in popularity since 1985. While still uncommon, its peak year came in 2004, when it ranked highest among girls. The name's 1-in-41212 frequency in 2023 underscores its rarity. Zayra is most often chosen in California and Texas, reflecting its appeal among families with Arabic or Hispanic heritage. Its sound aligns with the modern trend for short, zippy names ending in 'a', yet it carries traditional roots in the Arabic word for 'shining'.
Zayra is a variant of the Arabic name Zahra, which means 'flower' or 'blossom', and is also related to Zāhira meaning 'shining'. The name spread through the Muslim world and gained popularity in the United States beginning in the late 20th century, particularly after 1985.
Where Zayra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zayra” around the world
Where Zayra 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: Zay, Zayzay
Sibling names for Zayra
Names that share Zayra's style, for a brother or sister.
