Declining since 2019.
Popularity of Zale since 1951
Babies named Zale per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 42 |
| 2010s | 82 |
| 2020s | 51 |
Meaning & origin
Zale is a rare modern name first recorded in the U.S. in 1951. Its peak year was 2019, after which its trajectory has been falling. Though it has never reached the top 1000, its concise sound and 'z' initial appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name. The name likely emerged as a respelling or variant, possibly influenced by the success of similar short names like Zane and Zeke. With no top states or similar names in the data, Zale remains a unique choice for those drawn to uncommon modern coinages.
The name Zale first appeared in U.S. records in the 1950s. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Zaleel, meaning 'shadow,' or a modern invention based on the sound of names like Zaylee or related to the word 'gale.' Its use has remained rare, with a slight peak in the 2010s.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Zayle, Zael
Sibling names for Zale
Names that share Zale's style, for a brother or sister.
