Find out how popular the first name Zaiel has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zaiel by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Zaiel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zaiel.

The history of the first name Zaiel

The given name Zaiel is believed to have originated from the ancient Semitic cultures of the Middle East, with its roots potentially tracing back to the Phoenician or Aramaic languages of the first millennium BCE. The name is thought to be derived from the Phoenician word "zayil," meaning "shadow" or "shelter," suggesting a connection to protection or refuge.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Zaiel can be found in the ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets dating back to the 7th century BCE. These tablets, which contain records of administrative and commercial transactions, mention individuals with names remarkably similar to Zaiel, further solidifying the name's ancient Semitic origins.

In terms of historical figures bearing the name Zaiel, records are scarce, but a few notable individuals stand out. The first is Zaiel ben Ezra, a renowned Jewish scholar and philosopher who lived in 12th century Spain. His works on Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah have had a lasting impact on Jewish thought and spirituality.

Another prominent figure was Zaiel al-Hadrami, an Arab navigator and explorer from the 9th century CE. Hailing from the Hadhramaut region of present-day Yemen, al-Hadrami is credited with leading several maritime expeditions along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, contributing to the expansion of trade and cultural exchange during the Islamic Golden Age.

In the realm of literature, the name Zaiel appears in the epic poem "The Book of Dedes," written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century CE. The poem, which recounts the legendary history of Persia, features a character named Zaiel, described as a wise and valiant warrior.

Moving forward in time, the name Zaiel resurfaced in the 16th century with Zaiel ibn Khalil, a renowned Ottoman calligrapher and artist. His masterful calligraphic works adorned numerous mosques and palaces throughout the Ottoman Empire, earning him a place among the most celebrated calligraphers of the era.

Finally, in the 20th century, Zaiel Kabir was a prominent Egyptian writer and journalist, known for his influential works on Arab nationalism and social reform. Born in 1901, Kabir's writings played a significant role in shaping the discourse on national identity and social progress in the Middle East during the 20th century.

While the name Zaiel may not be as prevalent today as it once was, its ancient origins and historical references serve as a testament to its enduring legacy, bridging the gap between the ancient Semitic cultures and the modern era.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Zaiel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zaiel, please contact us.

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