MallowbyNames

Zenab

ZEE-nab · A feminine Arabic name meaning 'father's adornment' or 'father's precious jewel.'

Peak popularity
1998
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Zenab since 1984

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

59141990200020102020Most births 1998Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s14
1990s62
2000s67
2010s37
2020s18

Meaning & origin

Zenab is a feminine name of Arabic origin, a variant of the more widely recognized Zainab. In the United States, the name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's records in 1984, and it has maintained a low but steady presence since then. Its peak year was 1998, reflecting a modest but noticeable preference during that period. Despite never ranking among the top 1,000 names, Zenab has remained stable in usage, with no dramatic swings in popularity. The name is most often chosen by families with Arabic heritage, and its meaning 'father's adornment' conveys a sense of cherished beauty. As a variant spelling, Zenab distinguishes itself while retaining the classic appeal of its root name. The trajectory suggests a consistent if niche following, and it is not associated with any particular US state as a top choice.

Zenab is a variant of Zainab, derived from the Arabic elements 'zayn' (adornment, beauty) and 'ab' (father). The name has been used across the Muslim world, often appearing in historical and religious contexts, though its precise origin is debated. In modern usage, Zenab is a common spelling variant, particularly in South Asian and African communities.

Zenab” around the world

Where Zenab lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    15

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zeni, Zee, Zen

Variants: Zainab, Zaynab, Zeneb

Sibling names for Zenab

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

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

Z is for Zenab, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Zenab…”

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

Make Zenab's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zenab mean?
Zenab is typically interpreted as 'father's adornment' or 'father's precious jewel,' from Arabic 'zayn' (adornment) and 'ab' (father).
How popular is the name Zenab?
Zenab is uncommon in the US. Its peak year was 1998, and it has remained stable since first being recorded in 1984.
Is Zenab a boy or girl name?
Zenab is exclusively a girl's name.