Zaynab is a classic Arabic baby name for girls. Melodic and feminine, Zaynab is affluent in Middle Eastern culture and a standout for literature and media. Zaynab is the titular protagonist of Zaynab's First Day of Kindergarten by Aasiyah Sari, and Zaynab the Great is the heroine of a series of novels by Suzie Hicks. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.
Meaning of the Name Zaynab
Zaynab is a classic baby name with several possible origins. Foremost, Zaynab may derive from the Arabic phrase زينب (meaning “fragrant flower”). Zaynab can also serve as an elaboration of the Arabic word zayn (زين). In this context, Zaynab means “beauty.” Within Turkish culture, Zaynab translates as Zeynep (ज़ेनेप). In this language, the name means “precious gem” or “ornament.” Finally, some etymologists believe that Zaynab is an Arabic interpretation of the Greek epithet Ζηνός βίος (meaning “life of Zeus”).
Zaynab is an Arabic name that means “fragrant flower.” Famous bearers of the name include Zaynab bint Jahsh and Zaynab bint Khuzayma. Both women were wives of Islam founder Muhammad ibn Abdullah. Symbols of Zaynab include leather crafts that both women produced to raise funds used to feed the poor.
©Tomsickova Tatyana/Shutterstock.com
Nicknames for Zaynab
The name Zaynab evokes feelings of zest and zeal. If you're looking to find a nickname for the Zaynab in your life, we've compiled a fun list of nicknames below to help get you started. With such a versatile name, there's plenty of options to choose from!
Zaynab Name Details
Style: Classic
Gender: Neutral
Pronunciation: ZIE-nab
Syllables: Two
Alternative Spelling for Zaynab
- Zäynäb
- Zainab
- Zajnab
- Zayneb
- Zeinab
- Zenab
- Zaineb
- Zaneb
- Zejneb
- Zeynep
Zaynab Name Popularity
According to the Social Security Administration index, Zaynab was the 1,769th most popular baby name for girls in 2020.
©Eviart/Shutterstock.com
Related Names for Zaynab
Great Middle Names for Zaynab and Their Meanings
- Ariel (lion of God)
- Bayan (clear, eloquent, lucid)
- Claribel (bright, beautiful)
- Dana (God is my judge)
- Fatimah (she who abstains, chaste, captivating)
- Jamila (beautiful)
- Khadijah (born early, trustworthy, respected)
- Lauren (laurel plant)
- Mira (peace, prosperity, sea, ocean)
- Mona (noble, good, lady)
- Noya (beauty)
- Opal (iridescent gemstone, jewel)
- Shira (singing, poetry, music)
- Waris (desert flower, heir, successor)
- Yasna (white rose)
Famous People Named Zaynab
- Zaynab Alkali (writer)
- Zaynab Balhas (actress)
- Zaynab Dahya (writer)
- Zaynab Fawwaz (playwright)
- Zaynab Hashemi (actress)
- Zaynab Khadr (public figure)
- Zaynab Lamb (film producer)
- Zaynab Mousavian (computer scientist)
- Zaynab Otiti Obanor (wife of Nigerian monarch Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi)
- Zaynab Zamani (actress)
Zaynab in Popular Culture
- Zaynab (titular protagonist of Zaynab's First Day of Kindergarten by Aasiyah Sari)
- ZaynabGreat (heroine of a series of novels by Suzie Hicks)
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anicka S/Shutterstock.com.