Zola Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Zola originates from African roots, specifically from the Zulu language, meaning calm or tranquil. It has evolved through a few historical forms and is appreciated for its serene connotation. The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and is often perceived as a modern, unique choice. Notable individuals with this name include the French writer Émile Zola and the musician Zola Jesus.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Zola"
Pronunciation
/ˈzoʊlə/
Origin
African
Etymology
The name Zola is derived from the Zulu word meaning 'calm' or 'tranquil.' It can also be associated with a sense of peace or serenity.
Meaning
calm, tranquil
Language Evolution
Zola, Zolah
Historical Usage
The name Zola gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly among African communities and has been used by some notable figures in literature and music.
Variants & Derivatives
Zolie, Zol
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Zola is viewed as a unique and modern name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Émile Zola, Zola Jesus
📊 Zola Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Zola Name Visualizations
✨ Zola Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 282 peak births in 2018
Geographic Spread
Popular across 37 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Zola" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Zola". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Zola" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Zola"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Zola"
"Zola" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5583rd of 7545 | 21 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 535th of 9107 | 3,061 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 823rd of 9204 | 1,387 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1868th of 12526 | 621 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5063rd of 19264 | 168 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9803rd of 27321 | 99 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3823rd of 35406 | 594 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1155th of 30306 | 2,559 |
Regional Popularity of "Zola" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Zola" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
34.18% 484th/1416 |
65.34% 901st/1379 |
20.63% 488th/2366 |
50.00% 571st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
58.73% 908th/1546 |
87.85% 1367th/1556 |
30.64% 721st/2353 |
88.17% 1364th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
82.22% 1831st/2227 |
- |
64.11% 1829th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
83.65% 3833rd/4582 |
70.45% 3638th/5164 |
67.28% 4920th/7313 |
50.42% 3763rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
26.48% 1055th/3984 |
24.89% 1117th/4487 |
16.67% 1137th/6822 |
25.27% 1586th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Zola"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Zola" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Zola" in the United States
The name Zola is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Zola has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, falling for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Zola' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5583rd out of 7545 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 535th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 823rd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1868th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5063rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9803rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3823rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1155th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Zola' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.