Zenobia is a feminine given name of ancient Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "zeno", meaning "stranger" or "foreigner". The name is believed to have originated in the region of ancient Syria, specifically in the city of Palmyra during the 3rd century AD.

The name gained widespread recognition due to its association with the legendary Queen Zenobia, who ruled the Palmyrene Empire from 267 to 272 AD. Queen Zenobia, whose full name was Bath Zabbai or Septimia Zenobia, was a strong and influential ruler known for her military prowess and defiance against the Roman Empire.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zenobia can be found in the historical accounts of the Roman historian Trebellious Pollio, who documented the life and reign of Queen Zenobia in his work "The Thirty Tyrants". The name was also mentioned in various other ancient Greek and Roman texts, including the writings of the historian Cassius Dio and the philosopher Porphyry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zenobia, including:

1. Zenobia (c. 240–c. 274 AD), the famous Queen of Palmyra, who led a revolt against the Roman Empire and briefly established an independent kingdom.

2. Zenobia Camprubí (1887-1956), a Spanish writer and translator, known for her contributions to the literary and cultural scene in Spain during the early 20th century.

3. Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2008), an African American educator and civil rights activist, who played a significant role in the desegregation of schools in Washington, D.C.

4. Zenobia Jeffries Downing (1857-1922), an American evangelist, temperance reformer, and suffragist, who campaigned for women's rights and prohibition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. Zenobia King (1801-1856), an American author and educator, who wrote several popular novels and books for children during the 19th century.

The name Zenobia has endured through the ages, carrying with it the legacy of the powerful and influential Queen of Palmyra, as well as the stories of other remarkable women who have borne this name throughout history.