MallowbyNames

Zebulun

ZEB-yoo-lun · Dwelling, honor, or exaltation; of debated exact meaning.

2025 rank (boys)
#4,396
Babies named in 2025
23
Peak popularity
1979
2025 frequency
1 in 74,264 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #4,396 for boys today.

Popularity of Zebulun since 1973

Babies named Zebulun per year in U.S. Social Security records.

102030198020002020Most births 1979Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1970s84
1980s195
1990s173
2000s168
2010s147
2020s127

Meaning & origin

Zebulun is a rare biblical name with a distinctive sound, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1973. It reached its peak rank in 1979, but remains uncommon, with a current 1-in-74,264 incidence as of 2025 (rank 4,396). The name has maintained a stable trajectory over recent decades, neither sharply declining nor experiencing a revival. While Zebulun has no strong regional concentration in the U.S., its religious and historical resonance appeals to families seeking a name with Old Testament roots. The name's versatility is limited by its length and association with a minor biblical figure, but it offers a unique option for those wanting a name that stands out.

Zebulun is a biblical name from the Hebrew זְבֻלוּן (Zevulun), likely derived from the root זבל (zaval) meaning 'to dwell' or 'to honor.' In the Hebrew Bible, Zebulun is the sixth son of Jacob and Leah and the ancestor of the Tribe of Zebulun. The name has been used among Jewish and Christian communities since antiquity.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zeb, Zebby

Variants: Zebulon, Zabulon

Sibling names for Zebulun

Names that share Zebulun's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Z is for Zebulun, our favorite little boy.

Z is for Zebulun…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Zebulun's letter becomes Zebulun's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Zebulun's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zebulun mean?
Zebulun is generally understood to mean 'dwelling' or 'honor,' though some interpretations suggest 'exaltation.' Its exact meaning is debated among scholars.
How popular is the name Zebulun?
As of 2025, Zebulun ranks 4,396 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 74,264 newborns given the name. Its peak popularity was in 1979.
Is Zebulun a boy's or girl's name?
Zebulun is traditionally a boy's name, borne by a biblical patriarch.