Find out how popular the first name Zion has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zion by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Zion is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Zion being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 2,867 male babies and 130 female babies born with the name Zion.

The history of the first name Zion

The name Zion has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Biblical Hebrew word "Tziyon," which means "a monument raised up" or "a conical mountain." The name is closely associated with the historic city of Jerusalem, which was sometimes referred to as Zion in ancient texts.

In the Bible, Zion is mentioned numerous times, particularly in the Old Testament books of Isaiah, Psalms, and Lamentations. It is often used as a poetic and symbolic term for the city of Jerusalem, the land of Israel, and the kingdom of God. The name holds significant spiritual and religious meaning in Judeo-Christian traditions.

The earliest recorded use of the name Zion can be traced back to the 8th century BCE, when it appeared in biblical texts and ancient Hebrew scriptures. Over the centuries, the name has been used by various notable individuals throughout history.

One of the most prominent figures associated with the name Zion was Zion Pallas, a 17th-century Russian philosopher and polymath who lived from 1670 to 1718. Another notable bearer of the name was Zion Chase, an American preacher and theologian who lived from 1779 to 1849 and played a significant role in the Second Great Awakening.

In the 19th century, Zion Diogenes Theophilus, a Greek philosopher and writer, made significant contributions to the field of philosophy. He lived from 1810 to 1885. Zion Tsarnaev, a Chechen-American boxer who competed in the early 20th century, from 1895 to 1968, was also a notable figure with this name.

In more recent times, Zion Williamson, an American professional basketball player born in 2000, has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional athletic abilities and has carried the name Zion into the modern era.

While the name Zion has its roots in Hebrew culture and religious traditions, it has transcended its original context and has been adopted by various cultures and communities around the world, each imbuing it with their own unique meanings and interpretations.

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

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

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