Zaha

Hebrew; Swahili

"to shine; flower"

Zaha Origin and Meaning

The name Zaha is a girl's name.

Zaha is a distinctive feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It has Arabic origins where it can mean 'brilliant' or 'shining,' carrying connotations of brightness and radiance. The name gained international recognition through the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, whose innovative designs brought prominence to this formerly obscure name. In some African traditions, particularly Swahili, Zaha can also have meaningful connections. The name's brevity and symmetrical construction give it a modern, streamlined quality, while the soft 'z' and open 'a' sounds create a melodic flow. Despite its growing recognition, Zaha remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce. Parents might choose this name for its multicultural resonance, artistic associations, and beautiful meaning, as well as its elegant simplicity that works well across language boundaries.

Famous People Named Zaha

• Zaha Hadid Iraqi,British architect; first female winner of Pritzker Prize
• Wilfried Zaha Ivorian Professional Footballer currently playing for Crystal Palace

The name Zaha in Pop Culture

• Zaha Hadid Architects international architecture & design firm