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How to Pronounce My Name Zaakirah

17 Jun 2020 · 1 min

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In this brief video, Zaakirah Muhammad—who describes herself as a brand‑cultivating strategist, author, and photographer—explains the correct pronunciation and meaning of her Arabic name. She breaks the name into three syllables (Za‑ki‑rah), shares that it means “the hereafter” or “afterlife,” and reflects on past nicknames like “Za,” “Zee,” and especially “Zack,” which she disliked because it is typically male. Zaakirah emphasizes the importance of learning and respecting the pronunciation of hard‑to‑pronounce names, arguing that names carry special meaning and purpose and that taking time to get them right fosters empathy and understanding.

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Hi, my name is Zaakirah. I am a brand cultivating strategist, an author, and a photographer. I wanted to use this video to break down the pronunciation of my name. My name is Arabic for the hereafter or the afterlife. Growing up, people would always nickname me Za or Zee or Zack. I especially hated Zack because I am a woman and Zack is typically a male name. And I wanted to help others to be able to be more empathetic and understanding and open to learning the pronunciation of hard-to-pronounce names. Because names have a special meaning and a special purpose, and you should take the time to get to know them. So, my name is broken up into 3 syllables. Za-ki-rah. That's Za-ki-rah. Thank you for watching. Thank you.