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 has seen a notable increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 5 babies named Zira in 1974. However, this number started to fluctuate and increased to 7 births in 2002.
Interestingly, the name Zira experienced a peak in recent years, with 22 births recorded in 2023. This marks an impressive growth compared to its initial statistics from nearly five decades ago. Overall, since 1974 until now, there have been a total of 156 babies named Zira born in the United States.
This data suggests that the name Zira has gained traction and popularity among parents over time, with a significant increase in recent years. It is always exciting to witness trends and patterns in naming choices, as they often reflect the cultural and societal shifts of each era.