Zara

girlDebated: Arabic or HebrewMuslimChristian

Zara is a Muslim girl name of Debated: Arabic or Hebrew origin, meaning “Usually 'blooming flower' or 'radiance'”.

MeaningUsually 'blooming flower' or 'radiance'
GenderGirl
OriginDebated: Arabic or Hebrew
PronunciationZAR-uh
TraditionMuslim, Christian, Modern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, Pakistan, Australia, Worldwide

Meaning and origin of Zara

Zara has more than one possible root, and the explanations are debated. It is often linked to Arabic zahra, 'flower' or 'radiance', and to the Hebrew root for dawn or shining. In English it has also been treated as a form of Sarah, 'princess'. Princess Anne gave the name to her daughter Zara Tindall in 1981, which helped make it fashionable in Britain.

Is Zara a Muslim name?

Zara is popular with Muslim families, who often link it to Zahra, and also widely used in Christian and secular families. It is not the name of a biblical woman.

How popular is Zara?

Popular in the United Kingdom, Australia and among South Asian Muslim families.

Gifts with the name Zara

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Spellings and variants of Zara

Names similar to Zara

More Muslim girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Zara mean?

Zara means 'Usually 'blooming flower' or 'radiance''. It is of Debated: Arabic or Hebrew origin.

Is Zara a Muslim name?

Zara is popular with Muslim families, who often link it to Zahra, and also widely used in Christian and secular families. It is not the name of a biblical woman.

How do you pronounce Zara?

Zara is pronounced ZAR-uh.

Is Zara a boy or girl name?

Zara is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.