Declining since 2010, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Zulay since 1979
Babies named Zulay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 32 |
| 1980s | 74 |
| 1990s | 32 |
| 2000s | 41 |
| 2010s | 256 |
| 2020s | 90 |
Meaning & origin
Zulay is a rare and distinctive name for girls, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1979. It reached its peak popularity in 2010, and since then its use has been falling. In 2025, Zulay ranked 11,932, given to about 1 in every 229,610 newborn girls. The name has never been common enough to appear in any state's top popularity lists. Its origins are uncertain, but it is often grouped with names like Zulema and Zulima, which have potential Arabic roots. Zulay's uncommonness and melodic sound may appeal to parents seeking a unique name with a global feel.
Zulay is a rare name of uncertain origin. It is often considered a variant of Zulema or Zulima, names that may derive from the Arabic 'Zulaykha' or 'Salima', meaning 'peace' or 'healthy'. However, direct attestation of this derivation is lacking, and Zulay may also be a modern coinage. The name has appeared in U.S. records since 1979, with a peak in 2010, though it remains uncommon.
Sibling names for Zulay
Names that share Zulay's style, for a brother or sister.
