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Zainab

Girl name · 399 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Zainab: 399 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 27 births in 2014.

Zainab is an Arabic name meaning "fragrant flower" or "father's precious jewel," rooted in the ancient Semitic languages of the Middle East. Historically, it honours Zainab bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and Zainab bint Ali, a revered figure in Islamic history known for her courage. In modern times, Zainab Abbas, a Pakistani sports presenter, has brought the name to international audiences. While no major place is named after a bearer, the name appears widely across Muslim communities worldwide. A common variant is Zaynab, and in Scotland it carries a multicultural grace that blends warmth with heritage, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with deep spiritual resonance.

Girl 37 of 52 years

Peak year
201427 babies
Latest (2025)
#21717 babies
Total births
399since 1987
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2014 · 27
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).