Find out how popular the first name Zed has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zed by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Zed is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zed.

The history of the first name Zed

The name Zed originates from the Semitic languages and can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it was derived from the word "ẓdq," which means "righteousness" or "justice." This name gained prominence in the Middle East during the early centuries of the Common Era.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zed can be found in the Babylonian Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism compiled between the 3rd and 5th centuries CE. The name is mentioned in connection with various scholarly figures and religious leaders of that era.

In the 7th century CE, the name gained further significance with the rise of Islam. Zed was the name of a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, known as Zed ibn Thabit. He played a crucial role in the compilation and preservation of the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Zed was relatively uncommon outside of the Middle Eastern region. However, it resurfaced in Europe during the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy, where it was sometimes used as a variant of the name Zedekiah, which has Hebrew origins.

One notable individual named Zed was Zed al-Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic known for his profound works on spirituality and love. Another famous bearer of this name was Zed ibn Yahya al-Wadi'i, a 9th-century Arab mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the development of trigonometry.

In more recent history, the name Zed has been used by several influential figures, including Zed Seselja, an Australian politician and member of the Australian Senate, born in 1977. Additionally, Zed Williamson, an English actor and film producer born in 1968, has gained recognition for his work in the entertainment industry.

While the name Zed has deep roots in ancient cultures, it has maintained a distinct identity throughout the centuries, carrying with it a sense of righteousness and justice, as well as a connection to scholarly and artistic pursuits.

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

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

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