When we set out to name our daughter, Zara, we wanted something that would carry both beauty and depth—a name that felt right for her and held a story she could grow into. We didn’t just want to pick a name off a list; we wanted something that resonated with us and would resonate with her as she grows.

The name Zara caught our attention for a few reasons. First, there’s the meaning behind it. Zara is linked to the Hebrew word “Zerah,” which means “radiance” or “blossoming.” There’s a story in the Bible about Zerah, who was born with a scarlet thread tied around his wrist, a symbol of something special, something marked by promise. Genesis 38:30 mentions, “Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah.” That image of light and promise really spoke to us.

But Zara isn’t just about radiance. We also discovered that it can be an alternate spelling of Sarah, which brought another layer of meaning. Sarah, originally named Sarai, had her name changed as part of a new beginning. Genesis 17:15 captures this moment: “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name.” Sarah’s story is one of transformation and the realization of something bigger than she could have imagined.

In Isaiah 60:1, there’s a verse that says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” This verse felt like it was speaking directly to the name Zara—a call to step into the light, to be radiant in all she does. And Proverbs 31:25 talks about a woman who “is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” That’s the kind of person we hope Zara will grow into—someone who is strong, full of dignity, and ready to face whatever comes her way with confidence.

Finally, there’s the reminder in Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Zara, for us, is a name that acknowledges that she’s uniquely crafted, that she has a purpose and potential that’s all her own.

The name Zara is a name that’s rich in meaning but still simple and beautiful. It’s not just a name, but a reflection of the light, strength, and promise we see in her. As she grows, we’ll share the story behind her name with her—a story of radiance, transformation, and the belief that she’s wonderfully made, ready to shine in her own unique way. ⚘