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Origin and meaning of the name Zerah

What is the origin of the name Zerah?

The origin of the name Zerah is Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew word "zerach" which means 'scattered' or 'shining'. In the Bible, there are two characters named Zerah, both of whom are mentioned in the Old Testament. One is a son of Judah (Genesis 36:14-20) and the other is a king of the Philistines (1 Chronicles 8:33).

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Learn more about the origin of the name Zerah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Zerah

The given name Zerah is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "tzarah" which means "grief" or "affliction." This name is significant in Biblical history as it is borne by several characters, most notably being one of the sons of Judah (Genesis 38:30). In the Old Testament, Zerah plays a minor role but symbolizes the sorrow and pain experienced within the family line of Judah. The name has been used sparingly in various cultures over time, though it is more common among individuals with Hebrew or Jewish heritage. Today, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name rooted in ancient history and symbolic of endurance through adversity.

Character traits associated with the name Zerah

Zerah is often characterized by curiosity and intelligence. This name, derived from Hebrew origins, signifies 'scatterer' or 'sower,' which hints at a natural inclination towards exploration and dissemination of ideas. Those named Zerah are typically adaptable, resourceful individuals, capable of finding innovative solutions to complex problems. They possess a strong desire for knowledge and understanding, which drives them to delve deep into various subjects and expand their horizons. On the downside, their inquisitive nature may lead to distractions or impatience if they are not engaged in stimulating activities. Overall, Zerah's characteristics embody the spirit of intellectual adventure and a ceaseless quest for knowledge.

Popularity of the name Zerah

The given name Zerah is not exceptionally common in English-speaking countries, but it has been used occasionally over the years. Its popularity varies significantly depending on cultural context and time period. In some communities or regions, Zerah may hold more significance due to unique historical or religious connections. As a biblical name, Zerah appears as the name of several characters in the Old Testament, which might influence its usage among certain groups. However, in contemporary Western culture, Zerah is not widely recognized and does not rank high on popular baby names lists. Nonetheless, the name's rarity and unique origin can make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive moniker for their child.

Famous people with the name Zerah

Zerah is a relatively uncommon name among well-known figures, and as such, there are fewer individuals with this name who have achieved significant recognition compared to more common names. One notable person with the name Zerah is Zerah Colburn, an American child prodigy in mathematics. Born in 1980, he displayed exceptional skills at a young age, and his abilities were documented by several prominent media outlets. In the realm of sports, Zerah Sanders was a professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Collingwood Football Club from 2003 to 2010. He also holds the unique distinction of being the first player born outside Australia to play in an AFL Grand Final, which he achieved in 2007. Additionally, Zerah Mordecai is a fictional character from the comic book series "X-Men," who goes by the superhero name of Warpath. He is a member of the Xavier Institute's student body and possesses enhanced physical abilities, making him a formidable ally in battles against mutant-hunting forces. These individuals demonstrate that even with an uncommon name like Zerah, one can still make a significant impact in various fields such as mathematics, sports, and entertainment.

Variations of the name Zerah

The name Zerah has various forms across different cultures and languages. In Hebrew, it is spelled זְרַח, which means "rising" or "shining". In Amharic, the Ethiopian Semitic language, Zerah (ዘረኃ) is also a common name. In Arabic, the equivalent form of Zerah is Azra'a (أزراع), which has a similar meaning of "rising" or "dawn". Another variant is Adar (עדר), which is found in some Hebrew texts and means "orchard" or "garden". In Swahili, the name Zerah can be transliterated as Zera or Sera, with the latter being more common. It's worth noting that names often undergo changes when they are adopted into different languages and cultures, so these variations should be considered approximations rather than exact equivalents of the original Hebrew name Zerah.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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