Find out how popular the first name Zainab has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zainab by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Zainab is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 306 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zainab.

The history of the first name Zainab

The name Zainab has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic root word "zayn," which means "adornment" or "beauty." The name is believed to have been in use since the early days of Islam, around the 7th century CE.

One of the most significant historical references to the name Zainab can be found in the Islamic tradition, where it was the name of the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and his wife Khadija. Zainab bint Muhammad (circa 598-629 CE) was highly revered in the Islamic faith and is considered one of the most influential women in early Islamic history.

Another prominent figure with the name Zainab was Zainab bint Ali (circa 628-683 CE), the daughter of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph of Islam, and Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. She played a crucial role in the events surrounding the Battle of Karbala and is widely respected in the Shia Islamic tradition.

In the realm of literature, the name Zainab appears in the famous Arabic literary work, "One Thousand and One Nights" (also known as "The Arabian Nights"). One of the stories, "The Tale of Zainab and the Fearless Cyclops," features a character named Zainab who displays courage and resilience.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Zainab. One example is Zainab al-Ghazali (1917-2005), an Egyptian writer and activist who played a significant role in the Egyptian feminist movement and the fight against British colonial rule.

Another prominent individual was Zainab Badawi (1909-2002), a Sudanese women's rights activist and politician who fought for gender equality and women's empowerment in Sudan. She was one of the first women to hold a ministerial position in the Sudanese government.

The name Zainab has also been carried by literary figures, such as Zainab Fedawi (1904-1976), a Palestinian writer and poet who addressed themes of resistance and national identity in her works.

While the name Zainab has its roots in the Arab world, it has gained popularity and recognition across various cultures and regions, reflecting the diverse and rich history associated with this name.

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 Zainab was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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