Find out how popular the first name Zel has been for the last 2 years (from 2018 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zel by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Zel is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 54% of people named Zel being female.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 11 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Zel.

It's also interesting to see that despite Zel being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2019 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Zel.

The history of the first name Zel

The name Zel is an ancient given name with origins tracing back to the Middle Eastern region. It is derived from the Arabic word "zill", which means "shadow" or "shelter". This name was particularly popular among Arabic-speaking communities during the medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Zel can be found in the writings of the famous poet and philosopher, Abu Nuwas (756-814 AD). In his collection of poems, he references a character named Zel, suggesting that the name was in use during the 8th century.

The name Zel also appears in various historical records from the Ottoman Empire. One notable figure was Zel Ahmed Pasha, a military commander who served during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century. He was known for his bravery and strategic prowess in various campaigns against the Safavid Empire.

During the 13th century, a prominent scholar and mystic from Persia named Zel-ud-Din Rumi gained widespread recognition for his spiritual teachings and poetic works. His teachings heavily influenced the development of Sufism, a mystical branch of Islam.

In the realm of literature, the name Zel can be found in the epic poem "Shahnameh" by the renowned Persian poet Ferdowsi. The poem, written in the late 10th century, features a character named Zel, who is depicted as a brave warrior and loyal companion.

Another historical figure bearing the name Zel was Zel Mikhail, an Armenian nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the defense of the Kingdom of Cilicia against the Mamluk Sultanate in the 14th century.

While the name Zel has ancient roots, its usage has been relatively rare in modern times, particularly in Western cultures. However, it continues to hold historical significance and cultural resonance within the Middle Eastern region, reflecting the rich tapestry of traditions and narratives woven into its origins.

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

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

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