زينب

Zainabu

girlArabic, Hausa form

Zainabu is a Muslim girl name meaning “Fragrant tree; form of Zaynab”.

MeaningFragrant tree; form of Zaynab
GenderGirl
OriginArabic, Hausa form
Arabic spellingزينب
Pronunciationzah-ee-NAH-boo
Muslim name?Islamic / Arabic name

Meaning and origin of Zainabu

Zainabu is the Hausa form of Zaynab, a name usually linked to a fragrant desert plant. It was borne by the Prophet's ﷺ eldest daughter, by two of his wives, Zaynab bint Khuzayma and Zaynab bint Jaḥsh, and by his granddaughter Zaynab bint ʿAlī, who spoke out after Karbala. Hausa adds a final -u.

Is Zainabu a Muslim name?

Yes. Zainabu is the Hausa form of Zaynab, the name of the Prophet's ﷺ daughter and two Mothers of the Believers.

Where is the name Zainabu used?

Very common among Hausa Muslims in northern Nigeria and in Ghana.

Gifts with the name Zainabu

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Spellings and variants of Zainabu

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More girl names like Zainabu

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Zainabu mean?

Zainabu means 'Fragrant tree; form of Zaynab'. It comes from Arabic, Hausa form.

Is Zainabu a Muslim name?

Yes. Zainabu is the Hausa form of Zaynab, the name of the Prophet's ﷺ daughter and two Mothers of the Believers.

How do you write Zainabu in Arabic?

Zainabu is written زينب in Arabic script.

How do you pronounce Zainabu?

Zainabu is pronounced zah-ee-NAH-boo.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.