Zainab
Zainab is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning “Fragrant flowering tree”, pronounced ZAY-nab. It ranked #810 in the United States in 2025, given to 338 babies, and peaked at #810 in 2025. Common nicknames: Zaina, Zizi, Zainy.
How popular is Zainab in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Zainab mean, and where does it come from?
Zainab is the name of a desert plant with fragrant flowers, and it is among the most honoured women's names in Islam: Zainab bint Muhammad was the Prophet's eldest daughter, and Zainab bint Ali, his granddaughter, survived Karbala and carried the account of it to Damascus. The name is used from Morocco to Indonesia. American records hold it from 1957; it entered the top thousand in 2013 and reached its highest position in 2025.
How is Zainab used around the world?
Zainab is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Zainab?
Famous People Named Zainab
- Zainab bint Muhammad — eldest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad
- Zainab Salbi — Iraqi-American author and founder of Women for Women International
- Zainab Hawa Bangura — Sierra Leonean politician and United Nations official
Similar Names to Zainab
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Sibling Name Ideas for Zainab
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zainab mean?
Zainab is a girl name of Arabic origin meaning "Fragrant flowering tree." Zainab is the name of a desert plant with fragrant flowers, and it is among the most honoured women's names in Islam: Zainab bint Muhammad was the Prophet's eldest daughter, and Zainab bint Ali, his granddaughter, survived Karbala and carried the account of it to Damascus. The name is used from Morocco to Indonesia.
How do you pronounce Zainab?
Zainab is pronounced ZAY-nab. Common variations include Zaynab, Zeinab, Zainub.
Is Zainab a girl name?
Yes, Zainab is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Zaina, Zizi, Zainy.