Zahara is a beautiful and unique name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the word "zahr" which means "flower." Therefore, Zahara means "blossoming flower."
The name Zahara has a rich history in Islamic culture. It was the title given to the Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter, Fatima bint Muhammad, by her followers after her death. They believed that she had blossomed into a martyr for Islam and thus earned the title of Zahara.
In literature, Zahara is also significant as the name of a character in the One Thousand and One Nights folklore collection. This Zahara was a beautiful and wise queen who played a crucial role in the story of "The Enchanted Horse."
Today, Zahara remains a popular choice among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their daughters. It has a melodic sound and a strong historical background that makes it stand out from other girls' names.
The name Zahara has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting with only 5 births in 1986, the number of babies named Zahara steadily increased throughout the 1990s, reaching a peak of 241 births in 2005.
This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over 200 babies being named Zahara each year between 2006 and 2023. The name's popularity peaked most recently in 2021 and 2022, with 202 births recorded both years.
Overall, from 1986 to 2023, a total of 3,235 babies were named Zahara in the United States. This represents a significant number of individuals who bear this unique name, making it a popular choice among parents during this time period.