What does Zela mean and where does it come from?
Zela is a name that has seen varied usage and is believed to have Greek roots, signifying 'zealous' or 'envy' in some interpretations. It emerged in the United States during the 20th century as a unique name choice in the context of a growing trend towards short and distinctive names. Its rarity mak
Cultural significance
Zela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the one who is zealous.
Peak popularity
Reached #978 in 1897 — currently #15156 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zela?
Zela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zela Claire
French influence · crisp
Zela Jane
Literary · strong
Zela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zela right now?
Falling — down 5499 spots — currently #15156 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #15156 | 6 | ▼ down 5499 · -45% births |
| 2022 | #9657 | 11 | ▼ down 1640 · -21% births |
| 2021 | #8017 | 14 | ▲ up 3004 · +75% births |
| 2020 | #11021 | 8 | ▲ up 5451 · +60% births |
| 2015 | #16472 | 5 | ▼ down 13203 · -37% births |
| 1940 | #3269 | 8 | ▲ up 548 · +33% births |
| 1935 | #3817 | 6 | ▼ down 406 · -25% births |
| 1930 | #3411 | 8 | ▼ down 237 · -20% births |
| 1925 | #3174 | 10 | ▼ down 539 · -23% births |
| 1920 | #2635 | 13 | ▼ down 797 · -28% births |
| 1915 | #1838 | 18 | ▲ up 15 · +125% births |
| 1910 | #1853 | 8 | ▲ up 177 · +60% births |
| 1900 | #2030 | 5 | — |
The story of Zela
Zela has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 560 total births recorded, Zela remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2030 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15156 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zela in 1897:
Zela by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 8 | |
| 1890s | 44 | |
| 1900s | 60 | |
| 1910s ★ | 142 | |
| 1920s | 135 | |
| 1930s | 57 | |
| 1940s | 37 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 7 | |
| 2010s | 57 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Zela has only 560 total recorded births since 1889 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Zela?
What names sound and feel like Zela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zela also consider these
Common questions about the name Zela
What does the name Zela mean?
Zela means "the one who is zealous" — a name rooted in American 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 Zela?
Zela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Zela?
Zela originates from American tradition. American 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 Zela?
Zela is a two-syllable name pronounced Z IY1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Zela a common or rare name?
Zela is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.