The name Zarah is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Zerah, which means "rising" or "shining forth." It is a variation of the name Zara, which has similar roots.

The name Zarah can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. Zerah was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, and he is mentioned as the ancestor of several prominent families in the tribe of Judah.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Zarah comes from the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the 3rd century BCE. In these ancient texts, the name is spelled slightly differently as "Zrh."

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Zarah. One of the earliest was Zarah ben Judah, the son of Judah and Tamar, who lived around 1700 BCE according to biblical chronology.

Another significant figure was Zarah ben Shimi, a Jewish scholar who lived in the 3rd century CE and was a disciple of Rabbi Yochanan. He is mentioned in the Talmud, the central text of Rabbinic Judaism.

In the 16th century, there was Zarah Ghassemi, a Persian poet and calligrapher who was renowned for her mastery of the art of calligraphy and her beautiful verses.

Moving forward in time, Zarah Leander (1907-1981) was a Swedish actress and singer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was a celebrated performer in both films and on stage.

More recently, Zarah Sultana (born 1994) is a British politician who has served as a Member of Parliament for Coventry South since 2019, representing the Labour Party.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Zarah, each leaving their mark in various fields and cultures.