Zaria

Zaria is the name of a historic city in northern Nigeria, in Kaduna State. It is not Nigeria's national capital. As a personal name, Zaria may refer to that place, while some families use it in connection with names such as Zahra. The Arabic meanings associated with Zahra do not automatically translate the Nigerian place name.

The spelling has three flowing syllables and an obvious short form in Zari. The character Zaria in The Parent 'Hood provides a familiar television association. Parents choosing the name for a geographical or family connection can make that story explicit. Those who prefer it for its sound need not combine competing place and floral meanings into one definition.