All about the name

Zira

Female

« Zira is an African-origin name derived from Swahili, meaning 'powerful'. Popularized by Disney's "The Lion King", it signifies wisdom, intelligence, and independence. »

#5595 last year

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Zira since 1880

Total births
156
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
22 births
in 2023
22
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+147%
vs previous 5 years