Find out how popular the first name Zayah has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zayah by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Zayah is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Zayah being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 48 female babies and 5 male babies born with the name Zayah.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby boys were named Zayah in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Zayah

The name Zayah is a unique and intriguing one, with its origins shrouded in mystery and speculation. Some scholars believe it to be derived from the Arabic word "zayyah," which translates to "bright" or "shining." This would suggest that the name may have its roots in the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East, where names often carry significant symbolic meanings.

Others trace the name's lineage to the Sanskrit language, with a potential connection to the word "zaya," meaning "offspring" or "progeny." If this theory holds true, it could indicate a historical link to the ancient civilizations of the Indian subcontinent, where naming traditions were deeply intertwined with spiritual and philosophical beliefs.

Delving into the annals of history, the earliest recorded instances of the name Zayah are found in ancient texts and manuscripts from the 6th century CE. One such reference appears in the "Kitab al-Buldan," a geographical compendium written by the renowned scholar Al-Yaqubi, who mentions a town called "Zayah" located in present-day Iraq.

As we traverse the centuries, we encounter several notable figures who bore the name Zayah. One such individual was Zayah al-Nahrawani, a celebrated poet and scholar who lived in Baghdad during the 9th century CE, renowned for his contributions to Arabic literature and philosophy.

In the 12th century, we find Zayah ibn Abi al-Rijal, a respected jurist and legal scholar from Cordoba, Spain, who played a pivotal role in the development of Islamic jurisprudence during the Almohad Caliphate.

Moving forward in time, the 14th century witnessed the rise of Zayah al-Din Nakhshabi, a revered Sufi mystic and spiritual teacher from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan, whose teachings and writings had a profound impact on the region's spiritual landscape.

In the realm of art and culture, we encounter Zayah Bint Ismail, a renowned calligrapher and illuminator who lived in the 16th century Ottoman Empire, renowned for her exquisite works that adorned manuscripts and religious texts.

Finally, in the 18th century, we find Zayah Khan, a prominent military leader and statesman from the Mughal Empire, who played a crucial role in the expansion and consolidation of the empire's territories in South Asia.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have borne the name Zayah throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human civilization.

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

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

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