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Last Name Zaha

What is the origin of the last name Zaha?

The last name "Zaha" is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word "zahra" which means "flower" or "blossom". This last name is commonly found in Arabic-speaking countries such as Iraq and Lebanon.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Zaha

The meaning and origin of the last name Zaha

The surname Zaha is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "زها" (zaha) which means brightness or brilliance. It is a surname commonly found in Middle Eastern countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The name Zaha may have originally been a descriptive or occupational surname, given to someone who possessed qualities of brightness or radiance, or worked in a field related to light or brilliance. The surname may also have roots in Islamic or Arabic culture, where names are often chosen for their positive or meaningful connotations. Today, the surname Zaha can be found in various parts of the world due to migration and globalization, but its origins and meanings remain deeply rooted in Arab culture and tradition.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zaha

The last name Zaha is primarily found in Romania, and specifically in the region of Olt County. Outside of Romania, there are small pockets of individuals with the last name Zaha living in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. The surname Zaha is not very common in other regions of the world, with the majority of individuals with this last name being of Romanian descent. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Zaha is concentrated predominantly in Romania, with smaller communities of individuals with this surname residing in select countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zaha

The last name Zaha has several variations and spellings including Zahar, Zaharoiu, Zahariev, Zahariou, Zaharievich, and Zaharevich. These variations may be a result of different language influences or regional pronunciations. The name Zaha is of Arabic origin and may also be spelled Zahra, Zara, or Zehra in different regions. In some cultures, the name may have different suffixes added to it to indicate gender or familial relationships. Despite the variations in spelling, the name Zaha typically retains its meaning of "flower" or "blossom" in Arabic. In professional settings or official documents, it is important to ensure the correct spelling of the last name to avoid confusion or misidentification.

Famous people with the last name Zaha

Zaha Hadid is undoubtedly the most famous individual with the last name Zaha. She was a renowned Iraqi-British architect known for her innovative and futuristic designs that pushed the boundaries of architecture. Hadid became the first woman to receive the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 and was also awarded the Stirling Prize for Architecture twice. Her most notable works include the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics. Zaha's groundbreaking designs have left a lasting impact on the world of architecture and continue to inspire architects and designers globally.

Genealogical research on the last name Zaha

The surname Zaha has its origins in the Czech Republic, being a relatively uncommon name in the country. The earliest records of individuals with the last name Zaha can be found in the 18th and 19th centuries in the region of Moravia. It is believed that the name may have been derived from a personal name or a place name. Over time, individuals with the surname Zaha have migrated to other parts of Europe, particularly to countries like Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. Today, there are still individuals with the last name Zaha residing in various parts of the world, and genealogical research can help trace the family history and connections of those carrying this distinctive surname. As with many surnames, the history of the Zaha family is complex and intertwined with the broader historical events and migrations of the region.

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 : 11 April 2025

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