A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Zera since 1890
Babies named Zera per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zera's real moment was 1909.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 46 |
| 1900s | 82 |
| 1910s | 129 |
| 1920s | 122 |
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 18 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 19 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 29 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 76 |
Meaning & origin
Zera is a rare and underused name that has seen a subtle revival. First recorded in the United States in 1890, it reached its peak popularity in 1909 before fading into obscurity. However, since 2004 the name has been on a steady upward trajectory, reflecting a modern taste for short, vowel-ending names like Zara and Nora. With a current ranking of 7,133 in 2025 and an incidence of approximately 1 in 107,151 births, Zera remains an uncommon choice. Its origins are debated, but it most likely emerged as a variant of Zara or as a diminutive of Zerelda. The name carries a soft, melodic sound and offers a distinctive alternative to more popular Z-names.
Zera is a rare name in English usage, likely arising as a variant of Zara, which itself has multiple origins, or as a diminutive of names like Zerelda (possibly meaning 'beloved' from Greek). Its earliest recorded use in the United States dates to 1890, with a peak in 1909. The name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2004, suggesting modern appeal.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zee, Rara
Sibling names for Zera
Names that share Zera's style, for a brother or sister.
