Zina

Meaning & origin

Zina is a name of uncertain origin that has seen modest but declining use in the United States. First recorded in 1884, it reached its peak popularity in 1964, but has since become quite rare. As of 2025, it ranked 7,133th, with approximately 1 in 107,151 births given this name. The trajectory has been falling since 2018, reflecting a broader shift away from mid-20th-century diminutives. While the etymology is unclear, Zina's sound aligns with other short, vowel-ending names like Nina and Lena. It has no strong regional ties in the U.S., as no top states were associated with its use. For parents seeking a distinctive yet simple name with a vintage feel, Zina offers a rarity that few other choices can match, though its declining trend suggests it may become even less common in the years ahead.

Zina is a name of uncertain derivation. It may have emerged as a diminutive of longer names such as Zinaida or Rosalina, or as a variant of Zena. Its usage in the United States, first recorded in 1884, peaked in the 1960s but has since declined. The name has no firm roots in a single language or culture, making it a modern coinage or adaptation.