Zira is a unique and intriguing name of African origin. It is derived from the Swahili language and means "powerful". The name Zira is believed to have been popularized by its use in the animated film "The Lion King" produced by Disney, where it was given to one of the main characters, a wise and independent female gorilla.
Before the release of the movie, Zira was not widely known as a given name. However, after the success of "The Lion King", the name gained popularity and began to be used more frequently for newborn girls in various parts of the world.
In addition to its meaning of power, Zira also has associations with wisdom, intelligence, and independence due to the character traits exhibited by the gorilla Zira in the film. These qualities have contributed to the appeal of the name and may influence parents who choose it for their daughters.
Overall, Zira is a strong and distinctive name that celebrates African heritage while also having global recognition thanks to its association with popular culture. Its meaning and associations make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Zira experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 2010s to early 2020s, with a total of 156 births recorded between 1974 and 2023. The most notable spike occurred in 2023, with 22 births recorded that year alone. Before this peak, the highest number of births was in 2022 with 20 occurrences.