Find out how popular the first name Zula has been for the last 22 years (from 2002 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zula by gender

Based on the last 22 years of data, Zula is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zula.

The history of the first name Zula

The name Zula is believed to have its origins in the Slavic languages, specifically in the Serbo-Croatian linguistic branch. It is thought to be derived from the word "zlato," which means "gold" in various Slavic tongues. This connection suggests that the name may have been initially used to denote someone with golden or fair hair, or perhaps as a term of endearment.

While the exact time period of the name's origin is uncertain, it is likely that Zula emerged as a given name during the Middle Ages, when Slavic cultures and languages were flourishing across Central and Eastern Europe. The name was particularly prevalent in the regions that now encompass modern-day Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.

In terms of historical references, the name Zula does not appear to be prominently featured in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, records from the 14th and 15th centuries indicate that the name was in use among Slavic populations, particularly in the Balkans.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zula can be found in the chronicles of the medieval Serbian Empire. Zula Nemanjić (c. 1290 - c. 1350) was a Serbian princess and the daughter of King Stefan Milutin. She played a significant role in the political and cultural life of the Serbian court during her lifetime.

Another notable bearer of the name was Zula Diamant (1898 - 1982), a Croatian-born Bosnian Sephardic Jewish writer and educator. She was a pioneer in promoting Ladino literature and preserving the cultural heritage of Sephardic Jews in the Balkans.

In the realm of sports, Zula Pizarro (1950 - 2021) was a prominent Chilean basketball player. She represented Chile in numerous international competitions and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2016.

Zula Hendricks (1949 - 2017) was a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. She played a crucial role in the struggle against racial segregation and served as a member of the National Assembly after the end of apartheid.

Lastly, Zula Gitre (1914 - 2001) was a renowned Estonian writer and translator. She made significant contributions to Estonian literature and was awarded the prestigious Juhan Smuul Prize for her literary achievements.

These examples demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have borne the name Zula throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence across various cultures and regions.

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

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

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