MallowbyNames

Zeppelin

ZEP-uh-lin · A German surname derived from 'Zepelin,' a place name of uncertain origin, famously associated with the dirigible airships invented by Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.

2025 rank (boys)
#1,499
Babies named in 2025
117
Peak popularity
2022
2025 frequency
1 in 14,599 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2001

Rising since 2001, #1,499 for boys today.

Popularity of Zeppelin since 1995

Babies named Zeppelin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

54107161200020102020Most births 2022GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1990s05
2000s071
2010s109625
2020s180803

Meaning & origin

Zeppelin is a modern and distinctive given name that has been in use since 1995. It first appeared on U.S. birth records in that year, likely inspired by the rock band Led Zeppelin. The name has seen a steady rise in popularity, particularly since the early 2000s, and reached its peak in 2022. As of 2025, it ranks 1499 for boys, with about 1 in every 14,599 male babies receiving the name. Geographically, top states for Zeppelin include Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri, suggesting a regional appeal in the midwestern and southern United States. The name's strong consonant sounds and aeronautical heritage give it a bold, adventurous quality that resonates with parents seeking an uncommon yet recognizable choice.

Zeppelin is a German surname that originally referred to a person from the village of Zepelin in Mecklenburg. The name gained international fame through Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the pioneering aviation engineer who developed the rigid airship. As a given name, it has seen modern usage, particularly in the United States, inspired by the rock band Led Zeppelin.

Where Zeppelin is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zep, Z

Variants: Zepelin

Sibling names for Zeppelin

Names that share Zeppelin's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Luna, Nova, Aurora, Stella, Iris

Brothers: Orion, Atlas, Jasper, Felix, Milo

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

Z is for Zeppelin, our favorite little boy.

Z is for Zeppelin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Zeppelin's letter becomes Zeppelin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Zeppelin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zeppelin mean?
Zeppelin is a German surname meaning 'from Zepelin,' a place name of uncertain origin. It is famously associated with the inventor of the airship, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin.
How popular is the name Zeppelin?
Zeppelin is a rare name. In 2025, it ranked 1499 for boys, with about 1 in every 14,599 male babies given the name. Its popularity has been rising since 2001.
Is Zeppelin a boy or girl name?
Zeppelin is predominantly used as a boy's name, though it could be considered unisex.