Zaha first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Zaha has been for the last 10 years (from 2015 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Zaha

A feminine Arabic name meaning "shining" or "radiant".

Popularity of Zaha by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Zaha is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 19 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zaha.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 0 19
2023 0 14
2022 0 12
2021 0 12
2020 0 16
2019 0 11
2018 0 11
2015 0 6

The history of the first name Zaha

The name Zaha has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is believed to have derived from the Arabic word "zahah," which means "flower" or "blossom." This name has been in use in the Middle East and North Africa for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zaha can be found in ancient Arabic literature, where it was used to refer to a beautiful and fragrant flower. It was often used as a metaphor to describe a woman's beauty and grace.

In the Islamic tradition, the name Zaha is not mentioned in the Quran or other religious scriptures. However, some scholars suggest that it may have been used as a nickname or a descriptive term for certain individuals known for their virtues or physical beauty.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Zaha. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Zaha al-Badri (born around 820 CE), a renowned Arabic poet and scholar from modern-day Iraq. Her works were widely celebrated for their lyrical beauty and profound insights.

Another notable figure was Zaha al-Andalusiya (born in 1050 CE), a renowned female scholar and poet from Cordoba, Spain, during the height of the Islamic Golden Age. She was highly respected for her contributions to literature and philosophy.

In more recent times, the name Zaha gained international recognition through the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid (1950-2016). She was the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize for architecture and is celebrated for her innovative and visionary designs.

Other notable individuals with the name Zaha include Zaha Wahid (1955-2007), an Afghan politician and activist who fought for women's rights and democracy, and Zaha Amin (born 1959), a Jordanian businesswoman and philanthropist known for her humanitarian efforts.

While the name Zaha may have originated from a specific linguistic and cultural context, its meaning and symbolism have transcended borders, making it a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents around the world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Zaha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zaha, please contact us.

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"Zaha first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zaha-meaning-and-history/.

"Zaha first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zaha-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Zaha first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/zaha-meaning-and-history/.

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