Find out how popular the first name Zio has been for the last 1 years (from 2019 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zio by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Zio is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zio.

The history of the first name Zio

The name Zio has its roots in ancient Italy, originating from the Latin word "zio" which means "uncle." It is believed that the name first gained popularity during the Roman Empire, when it was used as a term of endearment or respect for older male relatives or mentors.

In the early days of Christianity, the name Zio was sometimes associated with Saint Zenobi, a 5th-century bishop of Florence who was known for his wisdom and kindness. Some historians speculate that parents may have chosen the name Zio for their sons as a way to invoke the blessings and protection of this revered saint.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zio can be found in the writings of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who lived from 1265 to 1321. In his literary masterpiece, the Divine Comedy, Dante mentions a character named Zio Scalabrin, though little is known about this individual's historical significance.

Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, the name Zio remained relatively uncommon, but it did appear in various historical records and documents across Italy. One notable figure was Zio Manfredi, a 14th-century Venetian merchant and explorer who is credited with establishing trade routes between Venice and the Far East.

In more recent times, the name Zio has been carried by several influential individuals, including Zio Betto (1875-1944), an Italian anarchist and labor activist who played a prominent role in the workers' movement of the early 20th century. Another notable bearer of the name was Zio Girolamo (1892-1967), an Italian-American artist and sculptor whose works adorned numerous public spaces in New York City.

Zio Alessandro Pertini (1896-1990) was an Italian politician and statesman who served as the seventh President of the Italian Republic from 1978 to 1985. His unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights earned him widespread respect both within Italy and internationally.

Finally, Zio Frassati (1901-1925) was an Italian Catholic laymen and athlete who is revered by many for his deep spiritual devotion and charitable works. Despite his short life, cut tragically short by polio, Frassati's example of living a life of faith and service to others has inspired countless individuals worldwide.

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

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

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