Find out how popular the first name Zebulan has been for the last 35 years (from 1978 to 2012) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zebulan by gender

Based on the last 35 years of data, Zebulan is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2012, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zebulan.

The history of the first name Zebulan

The name Zebulan is derived from the Hebrew name Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of ancient Israel mentioned in the Bible. It is rooted in the Hebrew word "zebed," meaning "bestowed" or "gift." The name likely emerged in the ancient Near East region, particularly in the land of Canaan, around the second millennium BCE.

In the Book of Genesis, Zebulun is recorded as the sixth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Zebulun was allocated territory in the region of Galilee, which later became an important area in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The name Zebulun is also mentioned in the Blessing of Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zebulan is found in the biblical account of the Exodus from Egypt. Zebulan, the son of Pallu, was a leader of the tribe of Issachar during the wilderness journey (Numbers 34:26). However, it is essential to note that the spelling "Zebulan" is a variant form, and the more common biblical spelling is "Zebulun."

In the Middle Ages, the name Zebulan was occasionally used among Jewish communities, but it remained relatively rare. One notable figure was Zebulan Arthusius (c. 1550-1614), a German theologian and philosopher who wrote extensively on logic and metaphysics.

During the Renaissance period, the name Zebulan gained some popularity, particularly in Europe. Zebulan Culverwell (c. 1624-1689) was an English philosopher and author who wrote the influential work "An Elegant and Learned Discourse of the Light of Nature."

In the 18th century, Zebulan Butler (1731-1795) was an American military officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He played a significant role in the Battle of Wyoming and later became a member of the United States House of Representatives.

Another notable figure was Zebulan Pike (1779-1813), an American explorer and military officer best known for leading expeditions that explored the southern and western regions of the Louisiana Purchase. The Pikes Peak in Colorado is named after him.

In the 19th century, Zebulan Baird Vance (1830-1894) was a prominent American politician who served as Governor of North Carolina and later as a United States Senator. He played a crucial role in the post-Civil War reconstruction efforts in the South.

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

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

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