ظاهر

Zahir

boyArabicMuslim

Zahir is a Muslim boy name of Arabic origin, meaning “Manifest, evident; also bright”.

MeaningManifest, evident; also bright
GenderBoy
OriginArabic
Written asظاهر
PronunciationZAH-heer
TraditionMuslim
Used inAfghanistan, Pakistan, India, Levant

Meaning and origin of Zahir

Zahir usually stands for the Arabic Ẓāhir, meaning apparent or manifest. Because al-Ẓāhir is counted among the Beautiful Names of God, the devotional form ʿAbd al-Ẓāhir also exists. There is a second, separate name, Zāhir (زاهر), meaning shining or blooming, and in English the two are written the same way. Bearers include Muhammad Zahir Shah, Afghanistan's last king, and Zahir al-Din Babur, founder of the Mughal dynasty.

Is Zahir a Muslim name?

Zahir is a long-established Muslim name linked to al-Ẓāhir, one of the names of God. That divine name appears in 'He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden' (Quran 57:3).

How popular is Zahir?

It is widespread in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, and Arab families use it as Zaher or Dhahir.

Gifts with the name Zahir

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Spellings and variants of Zahir

ZaheerDhahirZaherZahiruddin

Names similar to Zahir

More Muslim boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Zahir mean?

Zahir means 'Manifest, evident; also bright'. It is of Arabic origin.

Is Zahir a Muslim name?

Zahir is a long-established Muslim name linked to al-Ẓāhir, one of the names of God. That divine name appears in 'He is the First and the Last, the Manifest and the Hidden' (Quran 57:3).

How do you pronounce Zahir?

Zahir is pronounced ZAH-heer.

Is Zahir a boy or girl name?

Zahir is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.