Zainab
Zainab is a girl's name of Arabic origin.
Meaning
Fragrant flower, or beauty and ornament.
Origin and history
Zainab is a traditional Arabic name that historically refers to a fragrant flowering tree or means 'beauty' and 'grace'. It holds significant historical importance in Islamic tradition as the name of several prominent figures, including daughters and a granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. In the United States, its usage has steadily grown in recent decades alongside increasing cultural diversity.
Popularity in the United States
7,326 babies in the United States have been named Zainab since 1880. It ranks #1969 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #855.
States where it is most popular
- NY (20.8 %)
- CA (12.3 %)
- TX (10.9 %)
- MI (9.2 %)
- IL (8.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 12 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 47 |
| 1980-1990 | 265 |
| 1990-2000 | 777 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,699 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,720 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,806 |
Famous people named Zainab
- Zainab Salbi: Humanitarian, Author
- Zainab Johnson: Comedian, Actress
Fun facts
- The name was borne by Zainab bint Ali, a key historical figure revered for her courage and eloquence.
- Classical Arabic dictionaries link the name to a species of beautiful, sweet-smelling flowering tree.