To think it doesn’t matter that the name is similar to a famous architect

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I’m losing my mind!!

DH and I are expecting our first baby. We need a name that works in Arabic and English.

Our surname is Hadid, we love the name Zara. However DH thinks it is odd that her name would be one letter away from the architect Zaha Hadid.

I think Zara Hadid is a lovely name and that the architect is irrelevant.

thoughts?

Thanks everyone, we have agreed that her name will be Zara Hadid, and that Zaha Hadid is a positive association anyway.

Just found out their is a little people big dreams book for Zaha Hadid, we have some others as decor in the nursery so maybe I should order it!

Definitely!

Just noticed I used the wrong “there” - can you tell I’m tired 🤣

I'm really surprised at the number of people who haven't heard of her. I'm not an architect but her name was in the general public domain for years, on the news etc.

Although there would be nothing but positive connections, I wouldn't use the name as it's so similar. Sounds like you move in circles where there will be enough people who do actually know the name of the architect that you will be getting asked if you intended the similarity.

Zaha Hadid - Wikipedia

Like Sofia, Zara seems to be a popular choice for families where the name needs to work in 2 languages. Both names are fine, but I know many of them.
Just don't call her Bella or Gigi.

I've heard of Zaha Hadid but I don't think I'd make the connection in my head if I met a Zara Hadid. It's a lovely name.

Have heard of her (had an interview to work at the studio many moons ago. Didn't get it the job).
Not sure most people would have heard of her though, and as other PPs have said, it's a positive connection even if they have.

Being similar to an eminent architect isn’t an issue.

It's hardly naming her after a serial killer. What's the problem?

I'd definitely think of Zaha Hadid, but I don't think it matters.

It's a positive association and after a while people who know your daughter aren't going to be thinking of that. And her classmates never will.

Understatement of the year there.

Zara Hadid is lovely.

Sounds great. Never heard of the other person

Your husband needs to get a grip.

It's a really positive association and Zara is a lovely name.

This book about Zaha Hadid would be lovely to have in the nursery: The World is not a rectangle

I've heard of Zaha Hadid but I wouldn't think you had named her after the architect or something.
It sounds gorgeous, btw.

Never heard of this 'famous architect'...and I doubt it would be the first thing that springs to many people's minds OP.

My DS has the same name as a very famous person in the U.K. I slightly regret it - I feel like every time I give his name I'm saying "it's X but no relation to famous X". But I don't think the architect's name is a problem, it's just too obscure for most people to know, and will fade in popular knowledge even more by the time your DD is an adult.

I wouldn't worry. I've never heard of Zaha Hadid either. Don't let people or you off. I was put off my boy's name (Micah) because I worked with a Michael and everyone thought I was saying 'Michael' when talking about names. Since then I've met a few Micahs and no one thinks they are Michael! It was totally a work situation. I was also put off my DD's name choice by mumsnet and I regret it. Please go with your heart.

It’s a lovely name. I know of Zaha Hadid but I’m in built environment, but she’s known for being a fantastic architect so not a bad association

There’s nothing “famous” about her. She’s famous. She is an internationally renowned for her work.

Lovely name, and I've never heard of the architect. And don't think it would matter anyway, It's not a negative association surely?

Absolutely this. She won dozens of awards, was awarded a damehood, was the architect of numerous well-known buildings and regularly was on lists of the most powerful women.
People who haven't heard of her must move in very limited circles and have limited general knowledge.

I know who she is/was but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a name a bit like hers - why would there be, she was great talent.

And your daughters generation won’t have a clue

So, your husband is overthinking

That’s a lot of people, TBF

And your daughters generation won’t have a clue Really? I think you underestimate them.