Zaine
A name of uncertain origins, potentially of Arabic or Persian roots.
Name Census estimates that about 1,945 living Americans carry the first name Zaine. It is a predominantly male name (99.2% of registrations). The average person named Zaine today is around 15 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Zaine births was 2015 (105 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Zaine. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Zaine is a relatively new arrival in the SSA data. The average bearer is just 15 years old, meaning it gained most of its traction in the last two decades.
People living today
1.9K
~ 1 in 176,223 Americans
Peak year
2015
105 babies that year
Average age
15
years old
2024 SSA rank
#2,228
Tracked since 1988
Gender
Gender distribution for Zaine
Out of the 1,965 babies given the name Zaine since 1880, 99.2% were registered as male. The name sits firmly on the male side of the spectrum, with only a handful of female registrations across the entire dataset.
Zaine as a male name
- Ranked #2,228 in 2024
- 65 male births in 2024
- Peak: 2015 (105 births)
Zaine as a female name
- Ranked #19,526 in 2011
- 5 female births in 2011
- Peak: 2008 (6 births)
Popularity
Zaine: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Zaine from the 1980s through to the 2020s, spanning 5 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 860 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 2010s peak, Zaine remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Zaine by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Zaine during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Zaines live
The SSA's state-level files cover 19 states and territories. Texas, Ohio, Florida recorded the most babies named Zaine, while Washington, North Carolina, Maryland recorded the fewest. The average across all reporting states is about 33 registrations each.
Origin
Meaning and history of Zaine
The name Zaine is a unique and relatively modern variation of the more traditional name Zane. Its origins can be traced back to the Arabic language, where it is believed to have derived from the word "zain," meaning "beauty" or "grace." This connection to beauty and elegance has undoubtedly contributed to the name's enduring appeal across various cultures.
While the exact origins of the name Zaine are not entirely clear, it is believed to have emerged as a variant or diminutive form of Zane in the latter half of the 20th century. This timing coincides with a cultural shift towards more distinctive and individualized naming practices, particularly in Western societies.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zaine can be found in historical records from the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, its usage remained relatively uncommon until the latter part of the 20th century when it gained popularity as a unique and stylish alternative to more traditional names.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zaine, though their numbers are relatively few compared to more widespread names. One such figure was Zaine Ridling (1932-2010), a British author and journalist known for his insightful works on literature and cultural criticism.
Another notable bearer of the name was Zaine Dvorak (1947-2018), a pioneering computer scientist and engineer who played a pivotal role in the development of early personal computing technology. His contributions to the field of human-computer interaction were widely recognized and celebrated within the tech industry.
In the realm of sports, Zaine Petersen (1976-present) is a former South African cricketer who represented his national team in various formats of the game during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His impressive batting skills and athleticism made him a beloved figure among fans and supporters.
The artistic world has also seen its fair share of notable individuals named Zaine. Zaine Griff (1962-present) is a celebrated American painter and sculptor whose works have been featured in numerous prestigious galleries and exhibitions around the world.
Lastly, Zaine Acharya (1985-present) is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and philanthropist whose efforts have focused on promoting sustainable development and empowering underprivileged communities. His innovative approaches to social entrepreneurship have earned him numerous accolades and recognition on a global scale.
While the name Zaine may not have a long and storied history, its unique and captivating sound, combined with its connection to beauty and grace, has undoubtedly contributed to its growing popularity in recent decades. As the world becomes increasingly globalized and cultural boundaries blur, it is likely that this distinctive name will continue to enchant and inspire future generations.
People
Zaine + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Zaine as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with Z
Other first names starting with Z with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Zaine: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Zaine?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 1,945 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Zaine going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 176,223 US residents.
Is Zaine a common name?
We classify Zaine as "Rare". It ranks above 93.6% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 1,965 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Zaine most popular?
The single biggest year for Zaine was 2015, when 105 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Zaine is about 15 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Zaine a male name?
Yes, 99.2% of people registered as Zaine in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.