Find out how popular the first name Zela has been for the last 17 years (from 2008 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zela by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Zela is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zela.

The history of the first name Zela

The name Zela is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek language, with roots dating back to the classical era. It is derived from the Greek word "zelē," which means "ardent zeal" or "fervent devotion." This connection suggests that the name Zela may have been bestowed upon individuals who exhibited exceptional passion or dedication to a particular cause or pursuit.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zela can be found in ancient Greek mythology. Zela was a minor goddess associated with the concept of zeal or ardor, often depicted as a companion to the more prominent deities. However, her precise role and significance within the Greek pantheon remain somewhat obscure due to the limited surviving accounts.

In the realm of historical figures, one notable individual bearing the name Zela was Zela of Tralles, a female philosopher and mathematician who lived in the 5th century CE. She was renowned for her contributions to the field of geometry and was praised by contemporaries for her intellectual prowess.

Another individual of note was Zela of Byzantium, a Byzantine scholar and theologian from the 9th century CE. She was recognized for her extensive knowledge of Christian theology and her involvement in various theological debates of the time.

During the medieval period, the name Zela gained some recognition among certain European noble families. One prominent example was Zela of Anjou, a French noblewoman from the 13th century who played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

In the literary realm, the name Zela appeared in several works of fiction, although its use was relatively limited. One notable instance was in the novel "The Ardent Zealot" by the 19th-century author, William Makepeace Thackeray, where the protagonist bore the name Zela.

While not as widely popular as some other names, Zela has maintained a certain historical presence, primarily associated with notions of zeal, passion, and dedication. Its Greek origins and connection to ancient mythology and philosophy have contributed to its enduring significance, even if its usage has been relatively modest throughout history.

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

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

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