A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Zeno since 1883
Babies named Zeno per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zeno's real moment was 1902.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 36 |
| 1900s | 36 |
| 1910s | 141 |
| 1920s | 174 |
| 1930s | 117 |
| 1940s | 73 |
| 1950s | 100 |
| 1960s | 75 |
| 1970s | 41 |
| 1980s | 53 |
| 1990s | 63 |
| 2000s | 86 |
| 2010s | 222 |
| 2020s | 268 |
Meaning & origin
Zeno is a name with deep ancient roots, directly connected to the Greek philosopher Zeno of Elea, famous for his paradoxes, and Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism. It first entered U.S. birth records in 1883 and reached its peak rank of 2,516 in 1902, when it was most common. After a period of decline, the name has been rising in usage since 1988, indicating a modest revival. In 2025, it remains a distinctive choice, occurring in roughly 1 in 32,228 male births. It is most popular in California, reflecting its appeal among parents seeking a name that is both scholarly and concise. Zeno's rarity and historical weight make it a compelling option for those interested in philosophy or classical names.
Zeno is derived from the Greek name Zenon, which is a short form of names beginning with Zen-, such as Zenodoros meaning 'gift of Zeus'. The name was borne by several notable ancient Greeks, including the philosopher Zeno of Elea and the Stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium. In early Christian history, Zeno was also the name of a 4th-century Byzantine emperor. The name has seen sporadic use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Zeno is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zeno” around the world
Where Zeno lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Zenon
Sibling names for Zeno
Names that share Zeno's style, for a brother or sister.
