Zerah
A girl's name of Hebrew origin with 102 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
The son of Judah and Tamar, brother of Perez, ancestor of Achan
Zerah is a girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'dawn' or 'shining' — from the Hebrew zerach (to shine, to rise like the dawn), the name of one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar in the Book of Genesis.
Zerah's hand appeared first from the womb during the twins' birth — the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it saying 'this one came out first,' but then Perez was born first. This vivid biblical birth story gives Zerah associations of first-light, the crimson of dawn, and the surprising reversals of divine providence. With over 100 recorded U.S. births, it has genuine biblical heritage.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Zerah is a girl's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2006–2024). Its Hebrew roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Today, Zerah is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #12108), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Zerah has 15+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2006.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 25 | #11830 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 52 | #15832 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 25 | #16863 | — |
The Story of Zerah
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2015, Zerah is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Zerah are most likely born between 2006 and 2024.
How rare is Zerah?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Zerah — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2006, peaked in the 2010s with 52 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Zerah by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(15 years, 2006–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #12108 |
| 2023 | 8 | #12165 |
| 2022 | 9 | #11218 |
| 2019 | 5 | #17966 |
| 2018 | 7 | #13765 |
| 2017 | 8 | #12697 |
| 2015 | 9 | #11824 |
| 2014 | 5 | #19201 |
| 2013 | 7 | #14568 |
| 2012 | 6 | #16832 |
| 2010 | 5 | #19800 |
| 2009 | 7 | #15221 |
| 2008 | 6 | #17476 |
| 2007 | 6 | #17612 |
| 2006 | 6 | #17141 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zerah a boy's or girl's name?
When was Zerah most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2006–2024