Find out how popular the first name Zay has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zay by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Zay is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zay.

The history of the first name Zay

The name Zay has its origins in Hebrew, where it is a shortened form of the name Zayin, which is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The name Zayin is derived from the Semitic root word "zayin," which means "weapon" or "sword." This connection to weapons and warfare suggests that the name may have been given to individuals who were warriors or soldiers in ancient times.

In the context of Hebrew culture, the name Zay holds religious significance. It is mentioned in the Book of Psalms, one of the books of the Hebrew Bible, where it is used as a symbol of strength and protection. This association with biblical texts adds a layer of spiritual meaning to the name.

The earliest recorded use of the name Zay dates back to the 5th century BCE, when it was found inscribed on ancient Hebrew artifacts and documents. During this time, the name was predominantly used by members of the Jewish community in the Middle East.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Zay. One of the earliest was Zay ibn Amir, a 7th-century Arab poet and warrior from the Umayyad Caliphate. His poetry and military exploits earned him recognition during his lifetime.

Another prominent figure was Zay al-Din al-Razi, a Persian polymath who lived from 1149 to 1209 CE. He made significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, philosophy, and chemistry, and is considered one of the greatest scholars of the Islamic Golden Age.

In the 13th century, Zay al-Din Ghazan Khan was the seventh ruler of the Ilkhanate dynasty in Persia. He is remembered for his military campaigns and his efforts to promote religious tolerance within his empire.

During the Renaissance period, Zay al-Din al-Amili was a renowned Lebanese philosopher and mathematician who lived from 1479 to 1558. His works on logic and mathematics had a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of the time.

More recently, Zay Tompsett was a British artist and illustrator who lived from 1912 to 1996. He is best known for his contributions to the world of children's literature, having illustrated numerous popular books throughout his career.

These examples demonstrate the rich history and cultural significance of the name Zay, which has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and eras, each leaving their mark in various fields and endeavors.

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

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

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