Rising since 2019, #3,712 for girls today.
Popularity of Zolani since 2019
Babies named Zolani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 102 |
Meaning & origin
Zolani first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2019, a relatively recent entry that reflects growing interest in names with African roots. By 2025 it had reached rank 3712, with an estimated 1 in 40,182 newborns receiving the name. Its peak year so far is 2025, and its trajectory has been rising since 2019, suggesting steady if modest growth. The name is most frequently recorded in Texas among U.S. states. Though Zolani has deep roots in Zulu culture, its adoption in the United States aligns with a broader trend toward names that are meaningful, melodic, and multicultural.
Zolani is a name of Zulu origin, derived from the Zulu language spoken in South Africa. It is often associated with the word 'uXolo' which means 'peace'. The name has been used in South Africa and among the Zulu diaspora, though it remains relatively rare globally. Its recent rise in the United States may reflect broader interest in African names.
Where Zolani is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zola, Zoli, Z
Variants: Zolane, Zolani
Sibling names for Zolani
Names that share Zolani's style, for a brother or sister.
