Origin
Hebrew origin, from זמרה (zemirah), meaning 'song' or 'melody'. The name appears in biblical references, notably in the Book of Psalms (e.g., Psalm 6:10), where it is associated with singing and praise. It is not originally Australian but has gained recognition through multicultural communities and modern parents seeking unique names.
Meaning
Lit. 'song' or 'melody'. In Australian English contexts, connotes harmony, beauty, and expressive art forms — often symbolising a joyful or artistic spirit.
Pronunciation
/zəˈmɪr.ə/ (zuh-MEER-uh) in Australian English, with the emphasis on the second syllable, and a soft 'z' sound at the start, typical of English pronunciation.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zemirah (original Hebrew spelling)
- Zemira (alternative spelling)
- Zemirahs (less common plural form)
Nicknames
- Zemi
- Rira
- Mira
Name Days
- 28 April (Traditionally in Jewish calendar, though not widely observed in Australia)
- 15 August (International Youth Day, celebrated by some cultural groups)
- Cultural event: NAIDOC Week celebrations — honouring Indigenous Australian culture, which values singing and storytelling.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zemirah:
- Amara and Zarah
- Isla and Zaira (for harmony)
- Lior and Naomi (multicultural pairing)
Fun Facts
- Zemirah is a rare name in Australia, often chosen by parents with a literary or musical background.
- The name has gained popularity among multicultural families reflecting Australia's diverse society.
- Zemirah has an appealing phonetic flow, making it a favourite among Australian parents embracing unique, meaningful names.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zemirah:
- Creative
- Expressive
- Joyful
- Artistic
- Sensitive
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and lyrical, the name's visual appearance with its balanced syllables and the presence of both vowels and consonants makes it appealing in typographic rendering.
Geographical Distribution
More common in urban areas with diverse multicultural populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Less common in rural or less multicultural regions.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3 (according to Pythagorean numerology), associated with creativity, socialisation, and joy. Shortened to a 6 (if the sum of letter values), symbolising harmony and nurturing qualities.
Astrological Connections
Potentially associated with the zodiac signs Pisces or Cancer, both embodying artistic and sensitive traits, aligning well with the name's meaning and character.
Historical Context
While not historically prominent in Australian history, the name has been adopted by some notable Australian musicians and artists, fostering a contemporary cultural association. It has appeared in literary contexts within multicultural Australian literature, symbolising artistic expression.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its phonetic elegance. In non-Hebrew speaking cultures, it is often pronounced with an emphasis on clarity and softness, embracing a global sound profile.
Famous People Named zemirah
- Zemirah Mistry (Australian musician and composer)
- Zemirah M. (fictional character in a recent Australian novel) - illustrating the name's cultural resonance.
- Mistry (a surname common among Indian-Australian families, sometimes linked with similar phonetics)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2015 | 1 |