A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Zelia since 1883
Babies named Zelia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zelia's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 33 |
| 1890s | 96 |
| 1900s | 79 |
| 1910s | 158 |
| 1920s | 143 |
| 1930s | 63 |
| 1940s | 45 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 28 |
| 1970s | 18 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 123 |
| 2010s | 192 |
| 2020s | 136 |
Meaning & origin
Zelia is a name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1883, reaching its peak popularity in 1899 when it ranked highest among births. After a long decline, it began rising again in 1994 and in 2025 stood at rank 4,265, with a 1-in-48,705 birth rate. The name was most common in California. Its uncertain etymology, possibly linked to Greek 'zelos' or the Latin-rooted Celia, gives it a classic yet mysterious appeal. The revival from the 1990s onward positions Zelia as a vintage choice on the upswing.
Zelia is likely a variant of Celia, itself a feminine form of the Roman family name Caelius, meaning 'heavenly'. Alternatively, it may derive from the Greek 'zelos' (zeal). The name saw moderate use in the late 19th century, particularly in the 1890s, and has been experiencing a revival since the 1990s.
Where Zelia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zelia” around the world
Where Zelia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zel, Lia, Z
Sibling names for Zelia
Names that share Zelia's style, for a brother or sister.
