Zaahir is a name of Arabic origin and it means "the manifest," referring to the manifestation or appearance of something, especially in relation to God's will or divine revelation. The name Zaahir is derived from the Arabic word "zahara" which translates to "to appear" or "to become visible." It is often associated with the concept of Allah being the Manifest (Al-Zaahir), one of the 99 Names of Allah in Islam.
The name Zaahir has a rich history, particularly in Islamic culture and tradition. It appears in several hadiths (sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad) where it is used to describe Allah's power and grandeur. For instance, in one hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said, "Allah is Al-Zaahir (the Manifest), there is nothing hidden from Him."
In the Arabic language, the name Zaahir is often written as ظاھر and pronounced as /ðɑːˈhɪər/. It has gained popularity not only in Muslim communities but also among people of other faiths who appreciate its meaning and sound. Despite being less common than some other names of Arabic origin like Ali or Ahmed, Zaahir carries a significant spiritual resonance for those who choose it.
In terms of usage, Zaahir is typically given to boys, although some cultures may use it for girls as well. It can also serve as a middle name or be incorporated into a longer compound name. Overall, the name Zaahir stands out for its profound meaning and elegant sound, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Zaahir has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 274 births recorded between 1994 and 2023.
The trend seems to have started quite modestly, with only 6 births reported in 1994. However, it picked up momentum in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching a peak of 17 births in both 2018 and 2019.
Interestingly, there was a significant increase in popularity in recent years, with 23 births recorded in 2023 alone. This indicates that the name Zaahir is currently experiencing a notable surge in popularity among parents in the United States.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the decades, the name Zaahir has maintained a consistent presence in the U.S., with at least one birth reported every year since 1994, except for 2003 and 2005. This shows that while it may not be one of the most popular names, the name Zaahir is certainly recognizable and has been chosen by parents across multiple generations.
In conclusion, based on the statistics provided, the name Zaahir has shown a varied but steady level of popularity in the United States over nearly three decades. Its recent surge in popularity suggests that it continues to be a name of interest for many parents today.