Declining since 2022, #800 for boys today.
Popularity of Zeke since 1880
Babies named Zeke per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 23 |
| 1890s | 15 |
| 1900s | 17 |
| 1910s | 83 |
| 1920s | 76 |
| 1930s | 76 |
| 1940s | 99 |
| 1950s | 78 |
| 1960s | 102 |
| 1970s | 309 |
| 1980s | 319 |
| 1990s | 473 |
| 2000s | 1,103 |
| 2010s | 3,202 |
| 2020s | 2,396 |
Meaning & origin
Zeke has been in continuous use in the United States since at least 1880, when it first appeared in Social Security records. Its popularity has fluctuated over time, reaching a peak rank of 800 in 2022 before beginning a slight decline. In 2025, roughly 1 in 5,492 baby boys was named Zeke. The name has been most common in South Dakota, Utah, and Kentucky, reflecting a strong regional preference in the Midwest and Mountain West. While Zeke remains a familiar nickname for Ezekiel, it has also carved out an identity as a standalone given name, favored for its brisk, two-syllable sound and down-home feel. Despite its long history, Zeke has never broken into the top 500, but its steady presence over more than a century suggests enduring, if modest, appeal.
Zeke originated as a nickname for Ezekiel, a Hebrew biblical name meaning 'God strengthens' (from 'chazaq', to strengthen, and 'El', God). Ezekiel was a major prophet in the Old Testament, and the name has been used by English speakers since the Protestant Reformation. Zeke emerged as an independent given name in the United States in the 19th century, particularly in rural and Southern communities.
Where Zeke is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Zeke
Names that share Zeke's style, for a brother or sister.
