Ziah is a nimble little name with a surprisingly global passport. Scholars trace its roots to both Hebrew and Arabic sources—where it shines with meanings such as “radiance,” “splendor,” and “light”—while modern English speakers tend to give it the zestful ZYE-uh twist. Because the sound is crisp yet fluid, it slips comfortably onto boys and girls alike, and one can almost imagine a sitar’s gentle twang echoing its two syllables at an Indian sunset wedding. In the United States, Ziah has hovered just inside the Top-1000 for more than two decades, an elusive firefly of a choice—visible, but never commonplace. Parents who favour nicknames will find none truly necessary; Ziah’s brevity is its own sparkle. Yet for the playful, Zee or Zye add a dash of mischief without dimming the meaning. All told, Ziah offers a compact blend of cross-cultural heritage, lyrical sound, and luminous symbolism—perfect for a child meant to carry a quiet glow into the world.