"white flower"
Zahra
A radiant Arabic name meaning 'flower in bloom'
Meaning & Origin
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
Famous People Named Zahra
Zahra Amir Ebrahimi
Actor
1981
Iranian actress who won Best Actress at Cannes 2022 for Holy Spider
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
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Zahra and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Zahra sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Zahra
What does the name Zahra mean?
What is the origin of the name Zahra?
Is Zahra a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Zahra?
What are common nicknames for Zahra?
What are good middle names for Zahra?
What are good sibling names for Zahra?
How many syllables does Zahra have?
Is Zahra a common or rare name?
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.