MallowbyNames

Zuleyka

zoo-LAY-kah · Fair, radiant, or brilliant; possibly derived from Arabic

2025 rank (girls)
#4,987
Babies named in 2025
26
Peak popularity
2015
2025 frequency
1 in 61,818 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2014

Declining since 2014, #4,987 for girls today.

Popularity of Zuleyka since 1975

Babies named Zuleyka per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4284126198020002020Most births 2015Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s8
1980s73
1990s179
2000s400
2010s742
2020s184

Meaning & origin

Zuleyka is a name that blends Arabic heritage with Spanish elegance. First recorded in the United States in 1975, it saw its peak popularity in 2015, when it reached rank 4987. In 2025, approximately 1 in 61,818 girls were given the name, placing it among rarer choices. The name is most common in California and Texas, reflecting its appeal among Hispanic and Latino communities. Zuleyka's trajectory has been falling since 2014, but it remains a distinctive option with a melodic sound. Its connection to the Arabic name Zuleikha ties it to ancient storytelling, while modern bearers like Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera keep it in the public eye. For parents seeking a name that is both culturally rich and uncommon, Zuleyka offers a balance of familiarity and uniqueness.

Zuleyka is a Spanish form of the Arabic name Zuleikha, which appears in Islamic tradition as the name of the wife of Potiphar in the story of Joseph (Yusuf). The Arabic root likely conveys meanings of fairness, brilliance, or radiance. The name gained some use in Spanish-speaking countries and was popularized in the United States partly through the Puerto Rican beauty queen Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006.

Where Zuleyka is most popular

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

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Zuly, Leyka

Variants: Zuleika, Zuleikha, Zulema, Zulay

Sibling names for Zuleyka

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

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

Z is for Zuleyka, our favorite little girl.

Z is for Zuleyka…”

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

Make Zuleyka's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Zuleyka mean?
Zuleyka is often interpreted as meaning 'fair,' 'radiant,' or 'brilliant,' stemming from its Arabic origins.
How popular is Zuleyka?
As of 2025, Zuleyka ranked 4987th in the United States, with about 1 in every 61,818 girls given the name. Its peak popularity was in 2015.
Is Zuleyka a girl's name?
Yes, Zuleyka is almost exclusively used as a feminine name.