A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Zeta since 1888
Babies named Zeta per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2005, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zeta's real moment was 1897.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 56 |
| 1900s | 87 |
| 1910s | 141 |
| 1920s | 189 |
| 1930s | 138 |
| 1940s | 77 |
| 1950s | 69 |
| 1960s | 74 |
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 234 |
| 2010s | 171 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Zeta is a rare and distinctive name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1888, though its earliest period of modest use came in the 1890s, peaking in 1897 when it ranked highest. After decades of obscurity, the name has been slowly climbing again since 1997, reflecting a revival of vintage, short forms. In 2025, Zeta ranked 6,838, given to about 1 in every 100,454 newborns, making it a highly uncommon choice. The name has no strong regional ties, as it appears rarely across the country. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it may have been coined as a feminine variant of Zeth or influenced by the Greek letter zeta, giving it a modern, minimalist feel.
Zeta is a rare name that likely emerged as a modern coinage, possibly as a feminine variant of Zeth, a short form of names ending in -zet or -zeth. It may also be influenced by the Greek letter zeta. The name saw its peak early, in the 1890s, and has been in gradual revival since the late 20th century.
Sibling names for Zeta
Names that share Zeta's style, for a brother or sister.
