Zendaya first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Zendaya has been for the last 13 years (from 2011 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Zendaya

A feminine name derived from the Shona word "tendai" meaning "to give thanks".

Popularity of Zendaya by gender

Based on the last 13 years of data, Zendaya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 328 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zendaya.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 328
2022 0 427
2021 0 313
2020 0 262
2019 0 258
2018 0 240
2017 0 260
2016 0 304
2015 0 356
2014 0 307
2013 0 179
2012 0 119
2011 0 26

The history of the first name Zendaya

The name Zendaya is a relatively modern name that appears to have originated in the late 20th century. It is believed to be derived from the Shona language spoken in Zimbabwe and parts of neighboring countries in southern Africa. In Shona, the word "zendaya" means "to give thanks" or "to be grateful."

Despite its seemingly recent origins, some sources suggest that the name may have been inspired by or connected to the word "Zendavesta," which refers to the sacred texts of the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. However, the exact link between the two words is unclear and not well-documented.

The earliest recorded use of the name Zendaya appears to be in the late 20th century, although specific dates and instances are difficult to pinpoint. It is possible that the name was initially coined or popularized by parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their children.

One of the earliest and most notable individuals to bear the name Zendaya is the American actress and singer Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman, born in 1996. She gained widespread recognition for her starring role in the Disney Channel series "Shake It Up" and has since established a successful career in both acting and music.

Another individual with the name Zendaya is Zendaya Toscano, an American model and social media influencer born in 1993. She has gained a significant following on platforms like Instagram and has been involved in various fashion and lifestyle campaigns.

In the literary world, there is an author named Zendaya, whose full name is Zendaya Ratna Dewi. She is an Indonesian writer known for her work in the fantasy and young adult genres.

Zendaya Renee Rose is an American singer and songwriter, born in 1988. She has released several albums and singles, primarily in the genres of R&B and soul music.

Lastly, Zendaya Lola Tenerelli is a French actress and model, born in 1985. She has appeared in various French television shows and films, as well as modeling campaigns.

It is important to note that while these individuals share the first name Zendaya, their backgrounds, professions, and life stories may vary greatly. The name itself, though relatively new, has gained a notable presence across various fields and cultures in recent decades.

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

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

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If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Zendaya first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on October 31, 2024. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zendaya-meaning-and-history/.

"Zendaya first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zendaya-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 31 October, 2024

Zendaya first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/zendaya-meaning-and-history/.

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