Declining since 2022, #6,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Zira since 1974
Babies named Zira per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 25 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 95 |
Meaning & origin
Zira is a short, distinctive name first recorded in the United States in 1974. Its peak popularity came in 2023, when it reached rank 6,546 with 1 in 94,545 babies receiving the name. Since 2022, however, usage has been falling. The name's origins are debated: some trace it to African Hausa roots meaning 'spirited,' while others suggest an Arabic derivation meaning 'moonlight.' Zira is most often used for girls, though it has been recorded for both genders. The name has not appeared in any top state lists, suggesting it remains a rare but steadily used choice. Its modern feel and easy pronunciation make it a compelling option for parents seeking a short, uncommon name.
Zira is a name of uncertain origin, first recorded in the United States in 1974. It may have African roots, possibly from the Hausa word for 'spirited,' or could be an Arabic name meaning 'moonlight.' The name gained visibility through the character Zira in Disney's 'The Lion King II: Simba's Pride' (1998), though the Disney connection is not definitively tied to its etymology. In modern usage, Zira is sometimes used as a variant of Zara or a short form of longer names. Its popularity has been modest but saw a peak in 2023.
“Zira” around the world
Where Zira lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Zirah
Sibling names for Zira
Names that share Zira's style, for a brother or sister.
