Zahra
/ZAH-rah/
Zahra is an Arabic girl's name pronounced /ZAH-rah/. A classic and radiant name meaning a blooming flower or shining light.
Meaning of Zahra
A classic and radiant name meaning a blooming flower or shining light.
Zahra is derived from the Arabic root z-h-r, meaning to shine, glow, or bloom. In Islamic tradition, it is most significantly associated with Fatimah az-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, where it serves as an epithet meaning 'the Radiant One'.
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- /ZAH-rah/
Cultural background
The name remains exceptionally popular across the Muslim world, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, often chosen to signify beauty and spiritual light.
Variations & nicknames
- Zahrah
- Sahra
- Zara
- Zehra
- Zohra
- Zahreh
Famous people named Zahra
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Fatimah az-Zahra
Daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and a central figure in Islam.
Religion · 7th Century
Zahra Nemati
Paralympic gold medalist in archery.
Sport · 2010s-present
Zahra Lari
First Emirati figure skater to compete internationally.
Sport · 2010s-present
Zahra Amir Ebrahimi
Award-winning Iranian-French actress.
Film · 2000s-present
Zahra Joya
Journalist and founder of Rukhshana Media.
Journalism · 2010s-present
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Member of the Aga Khan development network and social activist.
Philanthropy · 1990s-present
Frequently asked about Zahra
- What does Zahra mean?
- Zahra is an Arabic name meaning 'blooming flower', 'radiant', or 'shining light'.
- How do you pronounce Zahra?
- It is typically pronounced ZAH-rah, with a soft 'h' sound in the middle in Arabic, though often simplified to ZAH-ra in English.
- Is Zahra a boy or girl name?
- Zahra is exclusively a girl's name of Arabic origin.
- Is Zahra a Quranic name?
- While the specific form 'Zahra' is not used as a proper name in the Quran, its root appears in the term 'Zahrat al-hayat' (the splendor of life) and it is highly revered due to its association with Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet.
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