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

Popularity of Zeal by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Zeal is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Zeal being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 21 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zeal.

The history of the first name Zeal

The name Zeal is derived from the Greek word "zelos," meaning ardor, enthusiasm, or fervent devotion. It first emerged during the classical era of ancient Greece, reflecting the value placed on passion and commitment in that culture.

Zeal as a personal name was not widely used until the late Middle Ages, when it gained popularity among Christian families who wanted to express their religious fervor. The name was particularly embraced by Puritans and other Protestant groups who valued zealous devotion to their faith.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Zeal as a personal name was in England during the 16th century. In 1586, a Puritan minister named Zeal Holcroft was born in Staffordshire. He later became a prominent figure in the English Civil War, known for his unwavering commitment to the Parliamentarian cause.

Another notable individual named Zeal was Zeal Howmann, a 17th-century English Puritan preacher and author. He wrote several religious works, including "The Zealous Christian" and "The Zealous Soul," which reflected his fervent religious beliefs.

In the 18th century, Zeal Phillipps was a Welsh clergyman and author known for his zealous defense of the Church of England. He wrote several treatises on religious topics and was a prominent figure in the Anglican church.

Moving into the 19th century, Zeal Peck was an American Methodist minister and abolitionist. Born in 1800, he was a passionate advocate for the abolition of slavery and worked tirelessly to promote the cause through his sermons and writings.

Another notable figure with the name Zeal was Zeal Uptor, a 19th-century British writer and social reformer. He was a vocal advocate for worker's rights and wrote extensively on the need for better working conditions and improved education for the working class.

While not as common today as it once was, the name Zeal continues to be used, carrying with it a sense of passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment.

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

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

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