Fact: Between 1971 and 1977, the name Zaire was used as a name for a Central African state before renaming to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Zaire Overview
Meaning
The river that swallows all rivers
Gender
Boy
Origin
African
Etymology
Derived from the Kikongo word “nzadi,” meaning “the river that swallows all rivers,” referring to the Congo River.
Pronunciation
/zaɪˈɪər/
Popularity
Zaire is a unique name that has gained traction in English-speaking countries and is particularly popular in the United States. In 2023, Zaire ranked #465 for boys in the USA.
Syllable
1 syllable
Length
5 letters
Numerology
5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)
Name Styles
Exotic, Cool, Uncommon
Associated Traits
Strong, adaptable, fluid, cultural
Name Day
November 18th
Zaire Variations in Different Cultures
Popular Variations
Zahir, Ziar, Zaireh, Zyair, Zy’Aire, Ziaire, Zyere, Zhyarie, Ziair, Zyare
Common Nicknames
Zy, Zaya, Air, ReRe, Zee.
Diminutives
Zy, ReRe, Zaya, Air
Famous People
- Zaire Wade
(American Basketball Player) - Zaire Franklin
(American Football Player) - Zaire Bartley
(Jamaican Soccer Player) - Zaire Anderson
(American Football Player) - Zaire Mitchell-Paden
(American Football Player)
Pop Culture Icons and Works
- Zaire Wade
("Legacy: In the Shadow of Greatness," TV Series) - Zaire
("Rumble in the Jungle," Documentary)
Places
- Bayou De Zaire Steam
(Louisiana, USA)
What Is the Meaning of Zaire?
Zaire means “The river that swallows all rivers,” evoking images of life and continuous movement.
What Is the Origin of The Name Zaire?
The name Zaire originates from Africa, specifically the Kongo word “nzere” or “nzadi,” meaning “river.”
Zaire Name Popularity
Popularity Chart of the Name Zaire in the U.S. over the Years
 United States | #4952022 | #4652023 | |
| Top 3 Rankings | #4652023 | #4952022 | #5252020 |
Annual Statistics Breakdown for Zaire
| Year | Name Ranking | Number of Births | Birth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 465 (+30 from 2022) | 654 (+40 from 2022) | 0.03572 |
| 2022 | 495 (+31 from 2021) | 614 (+57 from 2021) | 0.03278 |
| 2021 | 526 (-1 from 2020) | 557 (+15 from 2020) | 0.02973 |
| 2020 | 525 (+35 from 2019) | 542 (+44 from 2019) | 0.02930 |
| 2019 | 560 (+97 from 2018) | 498 (+110 from 2018) | 0.02591 |
| 2018 | 657 (+90 from 2017) | 388 (+72 from 2017) | 0.01996 |
| 2017 | 747 (+32 from 2016) | 316 (+11 from 2016) | 0.01597 |
| 2016 | 779 (+93 from 2015) | 305 (+51 from 2015) | 0.01506 |
| 2015 | 872 (+32 from 2014) | 254 (+16 from 2014) | 0.01242 |
| 2014 | 904 (+26 from 2013) | 238 (+19 from 2013) | 0.01161 |
| 2013 | 930 (+32 from 2012) | 219 (+10 from 2012) | 0.01084 |
| 2012 | 962 (-58 from 2011) | 209 (-15 from 2011) | 0.01030 |
| 2011 | 904 (+6 from 2010) | 224 (+2 from 2010) | 0.01103 |
| 2010 | 910 (-27 from 2009) | 222 (-16 from 2009) | 0.01081 |
| 2009 | 883 (-38 from 2008) | 238 (-19 from 2008) | 0.01122 |
| 2008 | 845 (-44 from 2007) | 257 (-11 from 2007) | 0.01179 |
| 2007 | 801 (+18 from 2006) | 268 (+20 from 2006) | 0.01210 |
| 2006 | 819 (+51 from 2005) | 248 (+37 from 2005) | 0.01131 |
| 2005 | 870 (+95 from 2004) | 211 (+38 from 2004) | 0.00992 |
| 2004 | 965 (-120 from 2003) | 173 (-32 from 2003) | 0.00819 |
| 2003 | 845 (+46 from 2002) | 205 (+23 from 2002) | 0.00976 |
| 2002 | 891 (+154 from 2001) | 182 (+42 from 2001) | 0.00881 |
| 2001 | 1045 (-249 from 2000) | 140 (-63 from 2000) | 0.00677 |
| 2000 | 796 (+41 from 1999) | 203 (+23 from 1999) | 0.00972 |
| 1999 | 837 (+268 from 1998) | 180 (+64 from 1998) | 0.00883 |
| 1998 | 1105 (-105 from 1997) | 116 (-12 from 1997) | 0.00572 |
| 1997 | 1000 (+292 from 1996) | 128 (+43 from 1996) | 0.00641 |
| 1996 | 1292 (+216 from 1995) | 85 (+22 from 1995) | 0.00424 |
| 1995 | 1508 (+23 from 1994) | 63 (+2 from 1994) | 0.00313 |
| 1994 | 1531 (+1046 from 1993) | 61 (+33 from 1993) | 0.00299 |
| 1993 | 2577 (-215 from 1992) | 28 (-3 from 1992) | 0.00136 |
| 1992 | 2362 (+626 from 1991) | 31 (+10 from 1991) | 0.00148 |
| 1991 | 2988 (+178 from 1990) | 21 (+2 from 1990) | 0.00099 |
| 1990 | 3166 (+2449 from 1989) | 19 (+11 from 1989) | 0.00088 |
| 1989 | 5615 (-1166 from 1988) | 8 (-2 from 1988) | 0.00038 |
| 1988 | 4449 (+2273 from 1986) | 10 (+5 from 1986) | 0.00050 |
| 1987 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1986 | 6722 (-1239 from 1983) | 5 (-1 from 1983) | 0.00026 |
| 1985 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1984 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1983 | 5483 (+903 from 1982) | 6 (+1 from 1982) | 0.00032 |
| 1982 | 6386 (-124 from 1981) | 5 No change from 1981 | 0.00026 |
| 1981 | 6262 (-12 from 1980) | 5 No change from 1980 | 0.00027 |
| 1980 | 6250 (-2439 from 1979) | 5 (-5 from 1979) | 0.00027 |
| 1979 | 3811 (-199 from 1978) | 10 No change from 1978 | 0.00056 |
| 1978 | 3612 (-576 from 1977) | 10 (-3 from 1977) | 0.00059 |
| 1977 | 3036 (+1900 from 1976) | 13 (+7 from 1976) | 0.00076 |
| 1976 | 4936 (-2486 from 1975) | 6 (-11 from 1975) | 0.00037 |
| 1975 | 2450 (+1740 from 1974) | 17 (+10 from 1974) | 0.00105 |
| 1974 | 4190 First SSA data recorded | 7 First SSA data recorded | 0.00043 |
| 1973 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1972 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1971 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1970 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1969 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1968 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1967 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1966 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1965 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1964 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1963 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1962 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1961 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1960 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1959 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1958 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1957 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1956 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1955 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1954 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1953 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1952 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1951 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1950 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1949 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1948 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1947 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1946 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1945 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1944 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1943 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1942 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1941 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1940 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1939 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1938 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1937 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1936 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1935 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1934 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1933 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1932 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1931 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1930 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1929 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1928 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1927 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1926 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1925 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1924 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1923 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1922 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1921 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1920 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1919 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1918 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1917 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1916 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1915 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1914 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1913 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1912 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1911 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1910 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1909 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1908 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1907 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1906 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1905 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1904 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1903 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1902 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1901 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1900 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1899 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1898 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1897 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1896 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1895 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1894 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1893 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1892 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1891 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1890 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1889 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1888 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1887 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1886 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1885 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1884 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1883 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1882 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1881 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
| 1880 | 0 No SSA data | 0 No SSA data | 0.0000 |
American States Popularity Rankings for Zaire
(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )New York (NY)
 New York (NY) | #3782021 | #3682022 | #4232023 |
California (CA)
 California (CA) | #5692021 | #7292022 | #6522023 |
Pennsylvania (PA)
 Pennsylvania (PA) | #9222021 | #4882022 | #6112023 |
New Jersey (NJ)
 New Jersey (NJ) | #5522021 | #5102022 | #4702023 |
Georgia (GA)
 Georgia (GA) | #1962021 | #2912022 | #1932023 |
Florida (FL)
 Florida (FL) | #4422021 | #3292022 | #3482023 |
Texas (TX)
 Texas (TX) | #5552021 | #5922022 | #4012023 |
North Carolina (NC)
 North Carolina (NC) | #4122021 | #4782022 | #4032023 |
Illinois (IL)
 Illinois (IL) | #3972021 | #3812022 | #5122023 |
Virginia (VA)
 Virginia (VA) | #3812021 | #3142022 | #4472023 |
Maryland (MD)
 Maryland (MD) | #3182021 | #2292022 | #2812023 |
Ohio (OH)
 Ohio (OH) | #5982021 | #5142022 | #4762023 |
Michigan (MI)
 Michigan (MI) | #5532021 | #3862022 | #5082023 |
South Carolina (SC)
 South Carolina (SC) | #4952021 | #3662022 | #7222023 |
Connecticut (CT)
 Connecticut (CT) | #3582020 | #3792021 | #3072022 |
Massachusetts (MA)
 Massachusetts (MA) | #8542021 | #3842022 | #3732023 |
Indiana (IN)
 Indiana (IN) | #6492021 | #5982022 | #4812023 |
Missouri (MO)
 Missouri (MO) | #3882021 | #4432022 | #4942023 |
Tennessee (TN)
 Tennessee (TN) | #6782021 | #6902022 | #4342023 |
Wisconsin (WI)
 Wisconsin (WI) | #5102021 | #7802022 | #6202023 |
Louisiana (LA)
 Louisiana (LA) | #9312021 | #3882022 | #5312023 |
District of Columbia (DC)
 District of Columbia (DC) | #2492016 | #1782020 | #2142021 |
Arizona (AZ)
 Arizona (AZ) | #10412021 | #5582022 | #5312023 |
Alabama (AL)
 Alabama (AL) | #5462021 | #4392022 | #4762023 |
Kentucky (KY)
 Kentucky (KY) | #6532021 | #4842022 | #5902023 |
Mississippi (MS)
 Mississippi (MS) | #6182021 | #2912022 | #4162023 |
Nevada (NV)
 Nevada (NV) | #5602020 | #5012021 | #5772023 |
Washington (WA)
 Washington (WA) | #7952021 | #11512022 | #8742023 |
Minnesota (MN)
 Minnesota (MN) | #7942018 | #7832020 | #9042021 |
Colorado (CO)
 Colorado (CO) | #6562020 | #7142022 | #7972023 |
Kansas (KS)
 Kansas (KS) | #5282007 | #5612019 | #5672023 |
Arkansas (AR)
 Arkansas (AR) | #6202020 | #3262023 |
Oklahoma (OK)
 Oklahoma (OK) | #6232023 |
Oregon (OR)
 Oregon (OR) | #6032023 |
Popularity Rankings for Zaire in other Countries and American Territories
(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)
Popularity in Quebec, Canada
 Quebec, Canada | #7772022 |
Popularity in Canada
 Canada | #10062020 | #9882021 | #13222022 |
Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources
Is Zaire a Name for Boys or Girls?
Traditionally, Zaire has been more commonly used as a boy’s name.
Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Zaire
- Zahir
- Ziar
- Zaireh
- Zyair
- Zy'Aire
- Ziaire
- Zyere
- Zhyarie
- Ziair
- Zyare
- Zy
- Zaya
- Air
- ReRe
- Zee
- Zy
- ReRe
- Zaya
- Air
- Meaning: Son of the right hand, son of the south
Origin: HebrewBenjamin - Meaning: Wealthy guardian
Origin: Old EnglishEdward - Meaning: He will add, God will add
Origin: HebrewJoseph - Meaning: God is my judge
Origin: HebrewDaniel - Meaning: Bearing Christ
Origin: GreekChristopher - Meaning: Fame-bright, glory-bright, shining with glory, godlike-bright
Origin: GermanicRobert - Meaning: Name of God, God has heard
Origin: HebrewSamuel - Meaning: God is gracious, graced by God
Origin: HebrewJohn - Meaning: Free man
Origin: GermanicCharles - Meaning: Home ruler, ruler of the home, ruler of the homeland
Origin: Old French, GermanicHenry
Zaire in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places
- Zaire Wade (Basketball Player, 2002): The oldest son of NBA star Dwyane Wade, he has been recognized as a top youth basketball player.
- Zaire Franklin (Football Player, 1996): An American football linebacker who has played for the Indianapolis Colts.
- Zaire Bartley (Soccer Player, 1998): A Jamaican footballer who plays as a midfielder.
- Zaire Anderson (Football Player, 1992): A former American football linebacker who played for the Denver Broncos.
- Zaire Mitchell-Paden (Football Player, 1999): An American football tight end.
- Zaire Wade ("Legacy: In the Shadow of Greatness," 2020 TV Series): Follows the lives of high school athletes with famous parents, including Dwyane Wade's son, Zaire.
- Zaire ("Rumble in the Jungle," 1996 Documentary): Chronicles the famous 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman held in Kinshasa, Zaire.
- Bayou De Zaire Stream (Louisiana, USA): A stream in St. Tammany Parish, known for its tranquil waters and proximity to local wildlife.
Similar Names to Zaire
- Nile
- Meaning: Son of Hugh/Hudd
Origin: EnglishHudson - Meaning: To flow down
Origin: HebrewJordan - Meaning: River
Origin: SpanishRio - Meaning: Sea or ocean (Hawaiian); keeper of the keys, earth (Welsh); shell, restoration, or ocean (Japanese); food (Māori); pier (Estonian); strong (Burmese);
Origin: Hawaiian, Welsh, Japanese, Scandinavian, GermanicKai - Meaning: Everlasting, gracious, immortal, eternal, imperishable
Origin: Latin, Italian, Sanskrit, Greek, African, SpanishAmara - Meaning: Wishes, aspirations, peace
Origin: Arabic, SwahiliAmani - Meaning: Severe, stern, strict
Origin: DanishSoren - Meaning: Stream of water that flows to the sea
Origin: EnglishRiver - Thames
Sibling Names for Zaire
- Meaning: Sea or ocean (Hawaiian); keeper of the keys, earth (Welsh); shell, restoration, or ocean (Japanese); food (Māori); pier (Estonian); strong (Burmese);
Origin: Hawaiian, Welsh, Japanese, Scandinavian, GermanicKai - Meaning: Owner, master, king
Origin: ArabicMalik - Meaning: Prince, commander
Origin: ArabicAmir - Zephyr
- Meaning: God's gracious gift, gift from God
Origin: Venetian, German, ArabicZane - Meaning: Help
Origin: HebrewEzra - Meaning: Highest point, holy place, sign, mark
Origin: HebrewZion - Meaning: Little fire, fiery one
Origin: IrishAiden - Meaning: Thankful, God has heard
Origin: HebrewJaden - Meaning: Heaven's light, dawn
Origin: GreekOrion
- Meaning: Princess, blossom, flower, shining, bright, radiance
Origin: Arabic, HebrewZara - Zola
- Zia
- Azaria
- Meaning: High, exalted, sublime
Origin: ArabicAaliyah - Meaning: Everlasting, gracious, immortal, eternal, imperishable
Origin: Latin, Italian, Sanskrit, Greek, African, SpanishAmara - Sanaa
- Meaning: Winner, achiever
Origin: ArabicNyla - Meaning: Care, protection, God has answered, one who has no leader
Origin: Arabic Anaya - Meaning: Night
Origin: ArabicLayla
Parents Who Like the Name Zaire Also Like
- Meaning: Companion, friend, fighter, battle
Origin: Arabic, Scottish, IrishKaden - Meaning: The Lord has remembered
Origin: HebrewZachariah - Meaning: Defender of the people
Origin: GreekXander - Meaning: Beauty, grace, handsome
Origin: ArabicZain - Zaide
- Meaning: New house, bright
Origin: Arabic, BasqueXavier - Meaning: Helmet of will, protection, strong-willed warrior, guardian
Origin: IrishLiam - Zahara
- Meaning: Beautiful, nice, good
Origin: SwahiliZuri - Zaina
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Helen Doanna
Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator
Expertise
Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher
Education
1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US
Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.