Origin
Arabic - From the Arabic زهره (Zahra), meaning 'flower' or 'radiance'. The name appears in Islamic cultures and is associated with the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter, Saiyida Zahra. In Australia, the name has gained popularity among multicultural communities, especially those with Middle Eastern, North African, and Islamic heritage.
Meaning
Literal meaning 'flower' or 'radiance'. In Australian contexts, it often connotes beauty, brightness, and elegance, resonating with the natural flora of the Australian landscape and the symbolic purity or beauty implied in its origin.
Pronunciation
'ˈzɑːr.ə' (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the first syllable) with IPA notation for clarity across accents and dialects in Australia, which typically have non-rhotic pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zahra (original Arabic spelling)
- Zahira (less common variant)
- Zahraa (alternative transliteration)
Nicknames
- Zahri
- Zahz
- Zee
Name Days
- 22 March (Islamic tradition - Mawlid, celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, which also commemorates the birth of Saiyida Zahra)
- 4 April (Orthodox Christian feast days, noted within some multicultural communities)
- Optional cultural observances in Australian Muslim communities around religious holidays.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zahra:
- Lina and Zahra (common sibling or double-name pairing in multicultural Australian families)
- Amina and Zahra (traditional Middle Eastern pairing)
- Sofia and Zahra (popular in Australian multicultural society)
Fun Facts
- Zahra is a popular name among Australian Muslim communities, especially in the Sydney and Melbourne suburbs.
- The name has been used for various Australian cultural associations, including community centres and charitable organisations.
- In Australian literature and media, characters named Zahra often depict strength and elegance, reflecting the name's meanings.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zahra:
- Elegant
- Radiant
- Culturally proud
- Compassionate
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and flowing appearance in written form, with a balanced and symmetrical typographic structure, aesthetically pleasing in both Latin and Arabic scripts.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban centres with large Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim populations such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Less prevalent in rural or predominantly Anglo-Celtic areas.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical abilities in numerology, aligning with attributes of thoughtful resilience.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, but name vibrations are linked to intuitive and nurturing qualities compatible with Cancer and Pisces zodiac signs.
Historical Context
The name Zahra has been borne by notable figures across history, notably Saiyida Zahra, a revered figure in Islamic history. In Australia, the name gained prominence through migration and multicultural integration, embraced by diverse communities celebrating cultural identity.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining phonetic clarity and cultural significance. Variants are used in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and European languages.
Famous People Named zahra
- Zahra Abdelmoaty (Australian athlete)
- Zahra Lari (Emirati figure skater popular in Australian media)
- Zahra Newman (Australian actress)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 14 |
2023 | 71 |
2017 | 89 |
2016 | 11 |
2015 | 8 |