MallowbyNames

Ziva

זִיוָהZEE-və · radiance, splendor; or, from the Hebrew name Ziv meaning 'glow'

2025 rank (girls)
#1,570
Babies named in 2025
134
Peak popularity
2020
2025 frequency
1 in 11,995 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2003

Rising since 2003, #1,570 for girls today.

Popularity of Ziva since 1960

Babies named Ziva per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2011, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ziva's real moment was 2020.

641291931960198020002020Most births 2011Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1960s41
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s175
2010s1,600
2020s989

Meaning & origin

Ziva, a Hebrew name meaning 'radiance' or 'splendor,' has seen a steady rise in use in the United States since 2003. First recorded in 1960, it reached its peak popularity in 2020, ranking 1,570th in 2025 with approximately 1 in 11,995 baby girls receiving the name. The name is especially favored in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, reflecting a regional preference for modern Hebrew-origin names with a bright, meaningful sound. Its upward trajectory suggests ongoing appeal among parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.

Ziva is a modern Hebrew name derived from the Hebrew word 'ziv' (זִיו) meaning 'glow, radiance, splendor.' It is related to the masculine name Ziv and has been used in Israel since the mid-20th century. The name gained visibility in English-speaking countries in the 2000s, partly due to the character Ziva David on the television series 'NCIS' (2005-2013).

Where Ziva is most popular

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

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Z, ZiZi

Variants: Zivah, Zivia

Sibling names for Ziva

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

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

Z is for Ziva, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Ziva…”

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

Make Ziva's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Ziva mean?
Ziva means 'radiance' or 'splendor' in Hebrew, derived from the word 'ziv' meaning 'glow.'
How popular is the name Ziva?
As of 2025, Ziva ranked 1,570th in the U.S., with about 1 in 11,995 baby girls given the name. Its popularity has been rising since 2003, peaking in 2020.
Is Ziva a boy or girl name?
Ziva is predominantly a girl's name, though Ziv is a related masculine name in Hebrew.