NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Zohar

What is the origin of the name Zohar?

The Hebrew name Zohar originates from the Semitic language and is found within Jewish culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "zohar" which means "radiance", "light", or "splendor". In Jewish mysticism, "Zohar" refers to a book of Kabbalistic teachings. The name Zohar has been used as a given name in both Jewish and non-Jewish communities, often signifying brightness, clarity, and enlightenment.

Learn more about the origin of the name Zohar

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Zohar

The name Zohar is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "tzohar" which means "radiance," "shining light," or "dawn." It is commonly used in Jewish tradition as the name of a mystical book called the Zohar, considered one of the central texts of Kabbalah, the esoteric teachings and mysticism within Judaism. This ancient text is known for its profound insights into the nature of God, the Torah, and the universe, often interpreted as an allegory illuminating the hidden aspects of divine wisdom. As a given name, Zohar symbolizes brightness, enlightenment, and the spreading of knowledge and understanding. The name has gained popularity beyond Jewish communities due to its beautiful meaning and association with wisdom and spiritual growth.

Character traits associated with the name Zohar

The name Zohar is often associated with individuals who possess profound wisdom and deep spiritual insight. Derived from Hebrew, it means "light" or "radiance," suggesting enlightenment and clarity. People named Zohar are often seen as compassionate, understanding, and open-minded, making them natural empathizers and listeners. They possess a strong connection to their intuition and inner guidance, which they use to navigate through life's challenges. Their intellectual curiosity drives them to seek knowledge and truth, making them inquisitive and creative thinkers. Zohar individuals are also known for their resilience, as they have the ability to adapt and grow from adversity with grace. Overall, a person named Zohar embodies wisdom, spirituality, empathy, curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

Popularity of the name Zohar

The name Zohar has garnered noticeable popularity across various cultures, particularly in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. It is a Hebrew name of ancient origin, derived from the word "zohar," meaning "splendor" or "radiance." In recent years, it has gained traction among non-Jewish populations as well, due to its unique sound and meaningful etymology. The name Zohar can be found in both the United States and Israel's top 100 baby names lists, indicating its widespread appeal across generations and cultural backgrounds. Its popularity stems from its strong connection to spirituality, wisdom, and enlightenment, qualities that many parents find appealing for their children.

Famous people with the name Zohar

Zohar is a Hebrew name that means "radiance" or "splendor." Notable individuals bearing this name include:

1. Zohar Argov (1942-1987): An Israeli singer and actor, often referred to as the 'Prince of Mizrahi Music.' Known for his popular hits like "Haver Achicha" and "Kol Ha'olam Kulo Gesher Tzar Meod."

2. Zohar Elron (born 1965): An Israeli basketball coach and former player who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Jerusalem, and the Israeli national team. He won numerous championships as a player and coach in Israel and Europe.

3. Zohar Wortman (born 1978): An Israeli actress and TV host, best known for her roles in the television series "Arava" and "Eretz Nehederet." She has also hosted several popular talk shows on Israeli television.

4. Zohar Vogelmann (born 1984): A former Miss Israel (2006) who competed in the Miss Universe pageant. She is also an actress and model, appearing in various films and commercials in Israel.

Variations of the name Zohar

The name Zohar is of Hebrew origin and has several variants. Some common spelling variations include Zachor, Zaccharia, Zacharias, and Zachariah, all derived from the original Hebrew form, Zakhar (זכר). These names carry a similar meaning, which is "remembrance" or "memory". In modern times, the name may also be spelled as Zoher, Zohaar, or even Zoe and Zara, though these variations have taken on different meanings or pronunciations in some cultures. The name Zohar has a strong cultural significance in Judaism, as it is the name of a book in the Kabbalistic tradition known as the "Book of Radiance", which contains esoteric teachings and mystical insights.

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

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Zoha khan (First name)

forenames > zoha-khan

The name Zoha Khan has its origin in Persian and Urdu languages. "Zoha" means "light" or "illumination" in Persian, and "Khan" is a title of respect and nobility in South Asia.

Zohan alias (First name)

forenames > zohan-alias

The name Zohan has Hebrew origins and means "gift from God." It is a variant of the name Jonathan.

Zohel (First name)

forenames > zohel

The name Zohel is of Arabic origin.

Zohib qureshi (First name)

forenames > zohib-qureshi

The name Zohib Qureshi appears to have origins in Arabic and possibly Persian languages. "Zohib" means "shining" or "radiant" in Arabic, while "Qureshi" is a surname commonly assoc...

Zohoory (First name)

forenames > zohoory

The name Zohoory has Persian origin.

Zohra (First name)

forenames > zohra

The first name Zohra is derived from Arabic origins. In Arabic, Zohra translates to "bright" or "radiant" star. It is a feminine given name that has been used in various cultures a...

Zohra j (First name)

forenames > zohra-j

The first name Zohra has Arabic origins, meaning "blooming flower" or "radiant and shining." The name J does not have a specific origin, as it is often used as an initial or abbrev...

Zohre (First name)

forenames > zohre

The name Zohre is of Persian origin. It is a variant of the name Zohra, which means "Venus" or "the morning star" in Persian.