Find out how popular the first name Zahir has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zahir by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Zahir is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Zahir being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 344 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zahir.

The history of the first name Zahir

The name Zahir is an Arabic word that means "shining," "brilliant," or "radiant." It has its origins in the ancient Semitic languages and can be traced back to the Middle Ages.

The earliest references to the name Zahir can be found in Islamic literature and religious texts, particularly in relation to the 99 names of Allah. In these texts, the name Zahir is used as one of the attributes of God, describing His manifestation and presence in all aspects of creation.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Zahir is Zahir al-Din Muhammad Babur (1483-1530), the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent. He was a renowned military leader and poet, known for his adventurous spirit and love for nature.

Another notable figure with the name Zahir is Zahir al-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb (1618-1707), the sixth Mughal emperor who ruled over a vast territory in the Indian subcontinent. His reign was marked by strict adherence to Islamic laws and a period of political stability.

In the realm of science, Zahir al-Din al-Baydawi (1286-1321) was a Persian scholar and theologian who made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. His works, particularly on the interpretation of the Qur'an, were widely studied in the medieval Islamic world.

In more recent history, Zahir Shah (1914-2007) was the last king of Afghanistan, ruling from 1933 to 1973. He is remembered for his efforts to modernize the country and promote democratic reforms during his reign.

Another prominent figure with the name Zahir is Zahir Raihan (1935-1972), a Bangladeshi novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. He is considered a pioneer of the Bangladeshi film industry and is renowned for his socially conscious literary works.

While the name Zahir has its roots in the Arabic language and Islamic culture, it has gained popularity across various regions and communities, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. The name's association with brilliance and radiance has made it a favored choice for many 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 Zahir was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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