What does Zarah mean and where does it come from?
Zarah is of Hebrew origin, spelled as 'זָרַח'. It is often associated with meanings of brightness and radiance. In biblical contexts, Zarah refers to significant historical and religious figures, including Zerah, the son of Judah. The name is more commonly used in Jewish communities and has seen a r
Cultural significance
Zarah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to shine; to bloom.
Peak popularity
Reached #1389 in 2024 — currently #1435 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zarah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zarah?
Zarah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zarah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Zarah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Zarah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Zarah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Zarah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Zarah Rose
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Zarah right now?
Declining — down 46 spots — currently #1435 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1435 | 151 | ▼ down 46 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #1389 | 163 | ▲ up 35 · +4% births |
| 2023 | #1424 | 157 | ▼ down 201 · -21% births |
| 2022 | #1223 | 198 | ▲ up 110 · +18% births |
| 2021 | #1333 | 168 | ▲ up 176 · +20% births |
| 2020 | #1509 | 140 | ▲ up 235 · +17% births |
| 2015 | #1744 | 120 | ▲ up 358 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #2102 | 94 | ▲ up 1578 · +135% births |
| 2005 | #3680 | 40 | ▲ up 21 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #3701 | 35 | ▲ up 1629 · +94% births |
| 1995 | #5330 | 18 | ▲ up 105 · +6% births |
| 1990 | #5435 | 17 | ▼ down 195 · +21% births |
| 1985 | #5240 | 14 | ▲ up 932 · +27% births |
| 1980 | #6172 | 11 | — |
The story of Zarah
Zarah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 2,107 total births recorded, Zarah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6172 in 1980 to #1424 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zarah in 2024:
Zarah by decade
Zarah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 35 | |
| 1980s | 117 | |
| 1990s | 204 | |
| 2000s | 504 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,097 | |
| 2020s | 454 | |
💎With 2,107 total births, Zarah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Zarah?
Famous people named Zarah
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Zarah (historical figure)
Zarah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
Z(
Zarah (historical community leader)
Zarah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Zarah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zarah also consider these
How is Zarah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Zarah
What does the name Zarah mean?
Zarah means "to shine; to bloom" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Zarah?
Zarah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Zarah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Zarah?
Zarah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Zarah trending right now?
Zarah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Zarah a common or rare name?
Zarah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.