Zainab sits comfortably in the UK charts at #138 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
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UK Rank 2024
#138
US Rank #853
About the Name Zainab
Zainab is holding steady in the rankings at #138. It reached its peak of #125 in 2008 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996.
Zainab is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it sits at #853 — notably more popular in the UK than across the Atlantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Zainab
Unlikely. With around 360 UK babies named Zainab per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Zainab in her class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Zainab has held a stable position around #138 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #125 in 2008 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
Zainab is more popular in the UK (#138) than in the US (#853). Names with strong rankings in both countries tend to have broad cross-cultural appeal, working well for international families or those with ties to both nations.
Notable people named Zainab include: Zainab al-Khawaja — Zainab Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is a Bahraini human rights activist, and a participant in the Bahraini uprising.; Zainab Dakingari — Zainab Usman Saidu Dakingari is the daughter of the former president of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and wife to the former Executive Governor of Kebbi...; Zainab Khatoon — Zainab Khatoon is an Indian para-power lifter from Uttar Pradesh..
Zainab ranks #853 in the US top 1,000 (2024). It's recognised in America but considerably more popular in the UK.
360
UK babies named Zainab (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.2
In a school of 600
→ Stable
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Zainab
Likely around 1 other Zainab in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Zainab
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Zainab Abdulhadi al-Khawaja is a Bahraini human rights activist, and a participant in the Bahraini uprising. She rose to prominence after posting tweets online about the protests under the name AngryArabiya as well as for protesting her father Abdulhadi al-Khawaja's detention during his hunger strike.
Zainab Usman Saidu Dakingari is the daughter of the former president of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and wife to the former Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari.
Zainab Khatoon is an Indian para-power lifter from Uttar Pradesh. She was part of the Indian para team and won a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games at Hangzhou, China in the women's 61 kg power lifting events.
Haja Zainab Hawa Bangura is a Sierra Leonean politician and social activist who has been serving as the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) since 2018, appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. She served as the second United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict at the level of Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2012 to 2017, in succession to the first holder of the post, Margot Wallström.
Hajiya Zainab Maina, FCIA, MFR was the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She was appointed in July 2011.
Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed ((); born 16 June 1960) is a Nigerian accountant and politician who served as the minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning of Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. She previously served as the minister of finance from 2018 to 2019, and as the minister of State for Budget and National Planning from 2015 to 2018.