Holding steady.
Popularity of Zelpha since 1886
Babies named Zelpha per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zelpha's real moment was 1891.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 |
| 1890s | 89 |
| 1900s | 120 |
| 1910s | 256 |
| 1920s | 256 |
| 1930s | 119 |
| 1940s | 51 |
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Zelpha is a rare name that saw its peak usage in 1891, a time when many biblical and variant names were fashionable in the United States. It has remained exceedingly uncommon since, with its trajectory described as stable, meaning it has not seen a resurgence or significant decline in recent decades. The name's earliest recorded use was in 1886, and it has never ranked among the top 1000 names. As a variant of Zilpah, Zelpha carries a biblical connection that may appeal to parents seeking an obscure but genuine scriptural name. Its sound aligns with other late 19th-century names like Thelma and Selma, giving it a vintage feel. Despite its rarity, the name's simplicity and soft ending make it easy to pronounce and pair with modern middle names.
Zelpha is most likely a variant of Zilpah, the handmaid of Leah in the Book of Genesis. The biblical Zilpah's name is of uncertain Hebrew origin, with suggestions including 'drooping' or 'frailty' and, less commonly, 'fragrant' or 'sprinkling.' The spelling Zelpha emerged in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, as a respelling or variant. It saw modest use in the late 1800s and early 1900s, especially in the 1890s, but has since become rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zel, Zelly, Phae
Sibling names for Zelpha
Names that share Zelpha's style, for a brother or sister.
