A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Zela since 1889
Babies named Zela per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zela's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 8 |
| 1890s | 44 |
| 1900s | 60 |
| 1910s | 142 |
| 1920s | 135 |
| 1930s | 57 |
| 1940s | 37 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 7 |
| 2010s | 57 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Zela is an extremely rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1889, just 26 years after the Civil War. Its peak usage came in 1897, when it was still uncommon. After nearly disappearing for decades, Zela has been on a slow rise since 2010, though it remains a rarity: in 2025, only about 1 in every 133,939 baby girls received the name. Its origins are uncertain, and no top states have recorded notable usage. Zela may appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with a vintage feel, as its modest revival aligns with a broader interest in 19th-century names. Despite its obscurity, its simple sound and easy pronunciation make it approachable, much like more familiar names such as Zelda or Zara.
Zela first appeared in U.S. records in 1889, with a peak in 1897. Its origin is not clearly attested. It may be a diminutive of names like Hazel or Gisela, or a playful variation of Zeke or Zelda. Given its sporadic usage and lack of a clear linguistic root, it is best classified as a modern American coinage.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Z
Sibling names for Zela
Names that share Zela's style, for a brother or sister.
