Zahra

Zahra is a feminine given name of Arabic origin. The word zahra can mean flower or blossom and is also associated with radiance and brightness. The name is widely used in Arabic-speaking communities and has spread to Persian, Turkish, South Asian, and other Muslim-majority cultures. Variants and alternate spellings include Zahrah, Zohra, Zahira, and Zahara.

In Islamic tradition, al-Zahra is an epithet used for Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, who is revered as Fatimah al-Zahra. The association with this title contributes to the name's connotations of purity, virtue, and beauty in some cultures. The name is therefore common in communities influenced by Islamic naming practices.

Beyond personal names, Zahra appears in toponyms and as a surname in various regions, reflecting its cultural reach. It is also borne by contemporary public figures, such as Zahra Rahnavard, an Iranian academic and political figure, illustrating the name’s continued use in modern times.

Overall, Zahra is a widely recognized given name with roots in Arabic language and culture, carrying meanings tied to bloom and brightness, and it remains popular across diverse Muslim-majority and diaspora communities.