Zahara

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ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Zahara is an Arabic and Swahili^[1] name that means "bright,"^[1] "shining,"^[1] or "flowering."^[1] The original form of the name was Zahra.^[1]

Zahara may also have roots in the Hebrew language, from the name Zohara, which means "light" and "splendor."^[1] Zahara may also possibly have evolved as a variation of the Hebrew name Sarah, which means "princess."

Zahara may also be an alternative spelling of Sahara.^[1]

POPULARITY

In the United States, Zahara is an uncommon name. It has not appeared in the top 1000 most popular girls' names in any recorded year.^[1] With the recent publicity of the name because of Zahara Jolie-Pitt, and the current trend to employ "exotic" letters such as "z," "x" and "y" in names, Zahara could see more usage in coming years.

In Australia, Zahara is a moderately popular name. In 2002, Zahara ranked as the 683rd most popular girl's name in Australia.^[1]

FACTS

• Zahara Jolie-Pitt's name at birth was Yemsrach.^[1] She was born in Ethiopia, and the name Yemsrach means "good news" in the local language.^[1]
• The Spanish village Zahara de la Sierra takes its name from all the blossoming orange trees that line the streets.^[1]

NAMESAKES

• Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival by Dean King
• Zahara Properties, Miami Beach, Costa Rica
• Zahara de la Sierra, Andalucia, Spain

FAMOUS PERSONS

• Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt: adopted daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (born January 8, 2005)
• Zahara Schatz: Israeli artist (born 1916)
• Zahara: bellydancer

• Alex Zahara: actor
• Lesley Zahara: art and photography agent

Author: Sarena Emily Levinson

NOTES