Zahra
Zahra is a Muslim girl name meaning “Radiant, luminous; blossoming”.
| Meaning | Radiant, luminous; blossoming |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Arabic |
| Arabic spelling | زهراء |
| Pronunciation | ZAH-rah |
| Arabic root | ز ه ر (z-h-r) — to shine, to blossom |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Zahra
Zahra draws on the Arabic root z-h-r, which carries two linked images: shining brightly and blossoming. From the first comes al-Zahrāʾ, 'the radiant' or 'the luminous one', the title of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. From the second comes zahra, a flower or blossom. In writing the two differ slightly: the title ends with a hamza (زهراء), while the flower word ends in a tāʾ marbūṭa (زهرة). In everyday use the name holds both senses together, light and flowering beauty.
Devotion to Fatima al-Zahrāʾ, revered by Sunni and Shia Muslims alike, made Zahra one of the most widely used Muslim girls' names. It is especially popular in Iran and Iraq, often in combinations such as Fatemeh Zahra, and is also common in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and among diaspora families. Turkish has the form Zehra, Moroccan and Algerian usage has Zohra, and Zahraa marks the long final vowel in Gulf and Levantine spelling. In English it is usually pronounced ZAH-rah, close to the Persian and Urdu pronunciation. The similar-sounding Zara is often linked to it, though it is sometimes explained separately.
Famous people named Zahra
- Fatima al-Zahrāʾ — daughter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, for whom the title is best known
- Zahra Rahnavard — Iranian artist, academic and political figure
- Zahra Lari — Emirati figure skater
Is Zahra a Muslim name?
Yes. Zahra is a classic Muslim name, honouring Fatima al-Zahrāʾ, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ.
Is Zahra in the Quran?
The name is not in the Quran, but its root appears in the phrase 'the splendour (zahra) of the life of this world' (Quran 20:131).
Where is the name Zahra used?
Popular throughout the Muslim world, especially in Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and among diaspora families.
Gifts with the name Zahra
- Zahra name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Zahra baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Zahra
More girl names like Zahra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zahra mean?
Zahra means 'Radiant, luminous; blossoming'. It comes from Arabic.
Is Zahra a Muslim name?
Yes. Zahra is a classic Muslim name, honouring Fatima al-Zahrāʾ, the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ.
How do you write Zahra in Arabic?
Zahra is written زهراء in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Zahra?
Zahra is pronounced ZAH-rah.
Is Zahra mentioned in the Quran?
The name is not in the Quran, but its root appears in the phrase 'the splendour (zahra) of the life of this world' (Quran 20:131).
Is Zahra in the Quran?
The name Zahra is not in the Quran, but the word zahra appears in Quran 20:131 for 'the splendour of the life of this world'.
Why is Fatima called al-Zahra?
Al-Zahrāʾ means 'the radiant one'; it is the best-known title of Fatima, daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, honouring her purity and spiritual light.