The name Zahara is a beautiful and culturally rich choice for a baby girl. It has origins in Hebrew, Swahili, and Arabic, each with slight variations in pronunciation but generally pronounced as zah-HAH-rah or zuh-HAH-rah. In Hebrew, it means "to shine" or "flower," reflecting brightness and beauty. In Swahili, it translates to "flowering," while in Arabic, it also means "shining" or "radiant." The name can also be found in the variation Zahra.
Zahara has steadily gained popularity in the United States over recent decades. From just 5 occurrences in 1992 to ranking at 1273 with 179 occurrences in 2023, the name has seen a consistent rise. This upward trend indicates that more parents are drawn to its exotic sound and meaningful origins. Whether you're inspired by its luminous meanings or its multicultural roots, Zahara is a wonderful name that exudes elegance and grace.
Bulelwa Mkutukana, also known as Zahara, was a South African singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her Afro-soul music sung in Xhosa and English. |
Zahara Monique Bassett is the founder and CEO of Life Is Work, a social service agency in Chicago, and a prominent advocate for trans human rights and social justice. |