Rising since 2019, #9,457 for girls today.
Popularity of Zully since 1955
Babies named Zully per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 58 |
| 1980s | 91 |
| 1990s | 195 |
| 2000s | 218 |
| 2010s | 127 |
| 2020s | 59 |
Meaning & origin
Zully first appeared on U.S. Social Security records in 1955, but it has never been a common name. It reached its peak popularity in 2008 when it ranked highest in usage. Since 2019, the name has been rising again, reflecting a broader trend of reviving softer, Z-initial names. Though only about 1 in 160,727 girls receive the name in 2025, its gradual ascent suggests renewed interest. The name's origins are somewhat obscure, likely as an English variant of Spanish or Arabic-derived Zula, but its modern, melodic sound appeals to parents seeking something distinctive. No single state has recorded especially high usage, indicating its spread is evenly scattered across the country.
Zully seems to have emerged in the mid-20th century, possibly as an English respelling or diminutive of Spanish names like Zulay or Sully. It may also be a creative variant of Zula, which is of Arabic or African origin meaning 'brilliant' or 'beauty'. However, its exact derivation is uncertain, and it is best understood as a modern coinage with fashionable sounds.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zul, Lee
Sibling names for Zully
Names that share Zully's style, for a brother or sister.
