What does Zebulon mean and where does it come from?
Zebulon (Hebrew: זְבוּלוּן) is a name of Biblical origin, borne by one of the sons of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name means 'dwelling of honor' or 'to dwell.' It has roots in Hebrew culture and tradition, and while it is not extremely common today, it occasionally appears among familie
Cultural significance
Zebulon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dwelling of honor.
Peak popularity
Reached #776 in 1979 — currently #5042 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zebulon?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zebulon?
Zebulon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zebulon Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebulon John
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebulon Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebulon Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Zebulon Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Zebulon Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Zebulon right now?
Falling — down 612 spots — currently #5042 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5042 | 20 | ▼ down 612 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #4430 | 24 | ▲ up 815 · +26% births |
| 2023 | #5245 | 19 | ▼ down 36 |
| 2022 | #5209 | 19 | ▼ down 1397 · -34% births |
| 2021 | #3812 | 29 | ▲ up 169 · +16% births |
| 2020 | #3981 | 25 | ▼ down 839 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #3142 | 36 | ▲ up 239 · +13% births |
| 2010 | #3381 | 32 | ▲ up 689 · +45% births |
| 2005 | #4070 | 22 | ▼ down 2050 · -56% births |
| 2000 | #2020 | 50 | ▼ down 127 · +11% births |
| 1995 | #1893 | 45 | ▼ down 137 |
| 1990 | #1756 | 45 | ▼ down 433 · -15% births |
| 1985 | #1323 | 53 | ▼ down 393 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #930 | 92 | ▲ up 969 · +268% births |
| 1975 | #1899 | 25 | — |
The story of Zebulon
Zebulon has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. With 2,035 total births recorded, Zebulon remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3881 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5245 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zebulon in 1979:
Zebulon by decade
Zebulon peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 19 | |
| 1920s | 19 | |
| 1930s | 9 | |
| 1940s | 18 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 340 | |
| 1980s ★ | 610 | |
| 1990s | 416 | |
| 2000s | 280 | |
| 2010s | 272 | |
| 2020s | 69 | |
💎With 2,035 total births, Zebulon is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Zebulon?
Famous people named Zebulon
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Zebulon (historical community leader)
Zebulon led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Zebulon (historical figure)
Zebulon bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Zebulon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zebulon also consider these
How is Zebulon written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Zebulon
What does the name Zebulon mean?
Zebulon means "Dwelling of honor" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Zebulon?
Zebulon is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Zebulon?
Zebulon originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Zebulon?
Zebulon is a three-syllable name pronounced ZEE-bul-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Zebulon?
Zebulon pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.