Zendeya first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Zendeya has been for the last 9 years (from 2015 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Zendeya

A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "beauty whose fragrance stays long".

Popularity of Zendeya by gender

Based on the last 9 years of data, Zendeya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zendeya.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 6
2022 0 10
2021 0 7
2020 0 7
2019 0 6
2018 0 5
2016 0 6
2015 0 9

The history of the first name Zendeya

The name Zendeya is believed to have originated from the ancient Persian language, which dates back to the 6th century BCE. It is derived from the Persian word "zend," meaning "to live" or "to exist," and the suffix "-ya," which was commonly added to names to denote a feminine form. This suggests that the name Zendeya was originally given to girls, carrying the meaning of "she who lives" or "the living one."

The earliest recorded use of the name Zendeya can be traced back to the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over ancient Persia from 550 BCE to 330 BCE. During this period, the name was popular among the nobility and aristocratic classes of Persian society. It is believed that some historical figures from this era may have borne the name Zendeya, although records are scarce and often incomplete.

As the Persian culture and language spread across the Middle East and Central Asia, the name Zendeya also gained popularity in neighboring regions. It was embraced by various ethnic groups and communities, leading to slight variations in spelling and pronunciation over time.

One notable historical figure associated with the name Zendeya was a Persian poetess who lived during the 9th century CE. Known for her eloquent verses and skilled use of language, her writings were celebrated and preserved in literary anthologies of the time. Unfortunately, her full name and specific biographical details have been lost to history.

In the 12th century, a prominent female scholar and physician from the city of Bukhara, located in modern-day Uzbekistan, was referred to as Zendeya. She was renowned for her contributions to the field of traditional Persian medicine and her expertise in treating various ailments.

During the Safavid Dynasty, which ruled over Persia from 1501 to 1736, the name Zendeya experienced a resurgence in popularity. One notable figure was Zendeya Begum, a noblewoman and philanthropist who lived in the 17th century. She was known for her generosity and support of educational institutions and cultural initiatives.

Another historical figure bearing the name Zendeya was a skilled calligrapher who lived in the 18th century. Her intricate and beautiful calligraphic works were highly sought after and adorned the walls of many mosques and palaces throughout the Persian Empire.

While the name Zendeya has its roots in ancient Persia, it has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries over the centuries. Its enduring presence in various regions and its association with notable individuals throughout history attest to its timeless appeal and rich cultural heritage.

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

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

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"Zendeya first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 18, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zendeya-meaning-and-history/.

"Zendeya first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zendeya-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 18 July, 2025

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

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