Declining since 2016, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Zoltan since 1912
Babies named Zoltan per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1967, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zoltan's real moment was 1913.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 76 |
| 1920s | 106 |
| 1930s | 40 |
| 1940s | 14 |
| 1950s | 45 |
| 1960s | 189 |
| 1970s | 112 |
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 81 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 136 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Zoltan is a Hungarian name that combines royal authority with a touch of exoticism. First recorded in U.S. data in 1912, it saw its peak popularity in 1913, when it was used with relative frequency. Since 2016, its usage has been falling, but it remains a distinctive choice. The name's dual etymology, from Turkish 'sultan' to Hungarian 'life', gives it a layered meaning. Despite its decline, Zoltan has never been common in the United States, with a 1-in-341,615 occurrence rate in 2025. It is most often associated with Hungarian heritage and has been borne by several notable figures in history.
Zoltan is a Hungarian name derived from the Turkish word 'sultan', meaning 'ruler'. It was popularized in Hungary during the Middle Ages through Turkish cultural influence. The name also acquired a secondary meaning of 'life' due to folk etymology linking it to the Hungarian word 'élet' (life). It has been borne by several Hungarian kings and nobles.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zoli, Zolt
Variants: Zoltán, Zoltan
Sibling names for Zoltan
Names that share Zoltan's style, for a brother or sister.
