Find out how popular the first name Zane has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zane by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Zane is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Zane being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,220 male babies and 13 female babies born with the name Zane.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 13 baby girls were named Zane in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Zane

The name Zane has Arabic origins, deriving from the word "Zain" which means "beauty" or "grace." It is believed to have first appeared in the Middle East during the 7th century AD, with the spread of Islam and the Arabic language.

Historically, the name was often associated with individuals of Islamic faith, particularly in regions like the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. It was commonly used as a way to express hope and aspiration for a child to possess inner and outer beauty.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Zane can be found in the works of renowned Islamic scholars and poets from the 8th and 9th centuries AD. These include the writings of Abu Nuwas (756-814 AD), a famous Arabic poet known for his witty and often controversial verses.

During the medieval period, the name Zane gained popularity across various Islamic empires and dynasties, such as the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ottoman Empire. It was particularly favored among the ruling classes and elite families, who often chose names with positive connotations for their children.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zane. One such person was Zane al-Din al-Razi (854-925 AD), a Persian polymath who made significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, philosophy, and astronomy.

Another prominent figure was Zane al-Din al-Attar (1119-1220 AD), a Persian poet and theoretician of Sufism, whose works are still widely studied and appreciated in the Islamic world.

In the 16th century, Zane Mehmed Pasha (1470-1548) was a prominent Ottoman statesman and military commander who served as the Grand Vizier, the highest-ranking political advisor to the Sultan.

During the 19th century, Zane Grey (1872-1939) was an American author known for his popular adventure novels set in the American West, many of which were adapted into successful films.

More recently, Zane Maloney (born 1994) is a professional skateboarder from Canada who has gained recognition for his skillful performances and contributions to the sport.

These examples illustrate the enduring presence and diverse cultural backgrounds of individuals who have carried the name Zane throughout history, reflecting its rich heritage and global appeal.

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 Zane was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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