Rising since 2006, #4,460 for girls today.
Popularity of Zala since 1921
Babies named Zala per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 13 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 17 |
| 2010s | 105 |
| 2020s | 140 |
Meaning & origin
Zala is a name of uncertain origin that first entered U.S. records in 1921, though it remained extremely rare for decades. It has been on an upward trajectory since 2006, and in 2025 it reached its peak rank of 4460, with approximately 1 in 51847 babies named Zala. Its recent rise suggests it may be a modern coinage, perhaps influenced by the popular Z- names like Zara and Zola. Zala is most frequently given in Virginia and California. The name's ambiguity adds to its appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet simple name.
The name Zala has multiple possible origins. It may be a modern English coinage, perhaps a variant of Zayla or Zola. Alternatively, it is a Slovenian word meaning 'hall' or 'room', used as a given name in Slovenia. In the United States, it first appeared in records in 1921 and has seen a steady rise in use since 2006.
Where Zala is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zala” around the world
Where Zala lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Z
Sibling names for Zala
Names that share Zala's style, for a brother or sister.
