Zirah is a unique and captivating female given name of African origin. It is believed to have been derived from the Swahili word "zira," which means "to respect" or "to honor." This naming tradition is deeply rooted in African culture, where names often hold significant meanings that reflect the hopes and aspirations of their bearers.
The name Zirah is particularly popular among people of East African descent, especially those with roots in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, its attractive sound and meaningful significance have also made it appealing to parents around the world who are looking for distinctive names for their daughters.
Historically, the name Zirah has been carried by notable figures, contributing to its recognition and esteem. For instance, Zirah Awad Ishag, a Sudanese physician and women's rights activist, was known for her tireless efforts in improving healthcare access for women in her country during the mid-20th century.
While Zirah is not widely documented as a name with extensive historical or religious significance beyond its African origins, it has nonetheless carved out a notable place among unique and meaningful names. It is often associated with strength, wisdom, and grace—attributes that reflect the respect and honor embodied by its meaning.
In contemporary times, Zirah continues to stand out as an uncommon yet captivating name. Its unique sound, derived from African roots, adds to its allure while its profound significance makes it a name of considerable depth. It is no surprise, then, that Zirah remains an attractive choice for parents seeking distinctive names with meaningful origins.
The name Zirah has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 41 babies being given this unique moniker between 2009 and 2020.
In 2009, the year it first appeared on record, there were 5 newborn girls named Zirah. The name's popularity dipped slightly to 6 births in 2012 before returning to 5 births each in 2015 and 2016.
However, between 2017 and 2018, the number of babies named Zirah showed an uptick, with 8 births in 2017 and 7 births in 2018. Despite this brief increase, the name's popularity seemed to have dipped again in recent years, with only 5 births recorded each year from 2019 onwards.
While these statistics reflect a certain level of fluctuation in terms of yearly births for the name Zirah, it is important to note that even at its lowest points, this unique moniker still appears on record consistently throughout the decade. It remains an uncommon yet distinctive choice for parents seeking something different for their little ones.