Back to Baby Names

Zahra

Girl Name #543 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A radiant Arabic name meaning 'flower in bloom'

Arabic Persian Muslim East African
Elegant Spiritual Earthy Gentle Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"white flower"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic

The Story of Zahra

Zahra is an Arabic name meaning 'flower', 'to blossom', or 'shining/radiant'. It derives from the Arabic root 'z-h-r' which means to shine or to bloom. The name has deep Islamic significance as Fatimah al-Zahra ('the Radiant Fatima') was the title of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatima, one of the most revered women in Islam.

Zahra has been rising in popularity in English-speaking countries since the 2000s, particularly among Muslim families and those seeking Arabic names with global appeal. Its similarity to the trendy name Zara has helped it gain broader recognition. It is a top name in many Arabic-speaking countries and Iran.

In Islamic tradition, Zahra is one of the titles of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, making it a name of profound religious significance for Muslim families worldwide. The name represents purity, beauty, and spiritual light. In Persian culture, Zahra is similarly honored.

Fun Facts

  • Fatimah al-Zahra was the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, highly revered in Islam
  • Zahra is consistently a top-10 name in Iran and many Arab countries
  • The related name Zahara was popularized in the West by Angelina Jolie's daughter

Zahra in Other Languages

Urdu زہرہ
Arabic زهرة
Persian زهرا
Swahili Zahra
Turkish Zehra

Famous People Named Zahra

Z

Zahra Amir Ebrahimi

Actor

1981

Iranian actress who won Best Actress at Cannes 2022 for Holy Spider

F

Fatimah al-Zahra

Religious

Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, whose title 'al-Zahra' (the Radiant) is one of the most revered in Islam

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#543
Total SSA Count
556
Cultural Origins
Arabic Persian Muslim East African
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Zara

Pairs Well With

Zahra Amira Zahra Nour Zahra Yasmin Zahra Sofia Zahra Leila Zahra Grace

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Zahra and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Zahra sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Zahra

What does the name Zahra mean?
"white flower" (from Arabic). Zahra is an Arabic name meaning 'flower', 'to blossom', or 'shining/radiant'. It derives from the Arabic root 'z-h-r' which means to shine or to bloom. The name has deep Islamic significance as Fatimah al-Zahra ('the Radiant Fatima') was the title of the Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatima, one of the most revered women in Islam.
What is the origin of the name Zahra?
Zahra has Arabic, Persian, Muslim, and East African origins. In Arabic, it means "white flower".
Is Zahra a boy or girl name?
Zahra is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Zahra?
Zahra is currently ranked #543 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Zahra?
Common nicknames for Zahra include Zara.
What are good middle names for Zahra?
Popular middle name pairings include Zahra Amira, Zahra Nour, Zahra Yasmin, Zahra Sofia, Zahra Leila, and Zahra Grace.
What are good sibling names for Zahra?
Names that pair well with Zahra as siblings include Layla, Omar, Nadia, Tariq, Amira, and Karim.
How many syllables does Zahra have?
Zahra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Zahra a common or rare name?
Zahra is moderately common, ranked #543 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Zahra

Zahra is a girl name with Arabic, Persian, Muslim, and East African origins . The name means "white flower" in Arabic .

Zahra is currently ranked #543 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Zahra has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Zahra include Zara. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Zahra include Zahraa . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists