Find out how popular the first name Zulekha has been for the last 41 years (from 1980 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "bright, brilliant, beautiful".
Based on the last 41 years of data, Zulekha is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zulekha.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
2020 | 0 | 5 |
2010 | 0 | 5 |
1980 | 0 | 9 |
The name Zulekha is of Arabic origin and can be traced back to the Islamic tradition. It is derived from the Arabic word "zulk" which means "smooth" or "silky," suggesting a delicate and graceful nature associated with the name.
Zulekha is a prominent name in Islamic literature, appearing in the Quran as the name of the wife of the Egyptian ruler, Potiphar. The story of Zulekha and the prophet Yusuf (Joseph) is a significant narrative in the Quran, emphasizing the themes of temptation, chastity, and divine intervention.
One of the earliest recorded references to the name Zulekha can be found in the 9th century Persian epic poem, Shahnameh, written by the renowned poet Ferdowsi. In this work, Zulekha is depicted as a beautiful and powerful woman who falls in love with the prophet Yusuf.
Historically, the name Zulekha has been borne by various notable figures. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Zulekha Banu (1555-1605), a Mughal princess and the daughter of Emperor Akbar the Great. She was known for her literary talents and her patronage of the arts.
Another prominent figure was Zulekha Begum (1770-1825), a noblewoman and the wife of Nawab Wazir Ali Khan of Oudh, India. She was renowned for her philanthropic efforts and her support of educational institutions.
In the 19th century, Zulekha Zahra (1870-1950) was a prominent Egyptian feminist and writer who advocated for women's rights and education. She was one of the pioneers of the women's movement in Egypt.
Zulekha Hendricks (1919-2007) was a South African activist and politician who played a significant role in the anti-apartheid struggle. She dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all South Africans.
Zulekha Yunus (1936-2007) was a renowned Bangladeshi academic and educator. She was instrumental in the establishment of several educational institutions, including the renowned Scholastica School in Dhaka.
These historical figures, spanning different eras and regions, have carried the name Zulekha with grace and distinction, leaving a lasting impact on their respective fields and societies.
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 Zulekha was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Zulekha first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zulekha-meaning-and-history/.
"Zulekha first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zulekha-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 July, 2025
Zulekha first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/zulekha-meaning-and-history/.
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