The nameZainab
Zainab is an Arabic girl's name borne by a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. It is common among Muslim families in Britain.
- Girl's name
- Arabic
Meaning
The meaning of Zainab is debated: it is often linked to a fragrant desert plant, or read as "ornament of the father".
Origin
Arabic.
History
Zainab bint Ali, granddaughter of the Prophet, is a major figure of early Islam. In England and Wales the name reached 125th place.
Famous people named Zainab
- Zainab bint Ali
- Zainab Salbi, humanitarian and author
Popularity of the name Zainab
Zainab in the United States
Zainab was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 2,720 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Zainab. Its rise began around 1987, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Zainab in the United States were born before 2013, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 293 births a year.
Zainab in the United Kingdom
Zainab was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 4,145 births over the decade, 41% of all recorded babies named Zainab. Half of all babies named Zainab in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 351 births a year.
Zainab in France
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Zainab
Names from the same generation as Zainab, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Zainab? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Zainab with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Zainab side by side with the name of your choice.
Zainab in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zainab mean?
The meaning of Zainab is debated: it is often linked to a fragrant desert plant, or read as "ornament of the father".
What is the origin of the name Zainab?
Arabic.
Is Zainab a girl's or a boy's name?
Zainab is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Zainab?
In 2024, Zainab was the 851st most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 316 births.
What are the variants of the name Zainab?
Variants and related names of Zainab include Zeinab and Zeynab.
What are good sibling names for Zainab?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Alia, Noor, Khadija and Aya for a sister, Hamza, Hassan, Samir and Anas for a brother.
Who are famous people named Zainab?
Zainab bint Ali; Zainab Salbi, humanitarian and author.