Zimbalist is a unique and distinctive given name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the surname Zimbalist, which is of Czech or Russian origin. The surname Zimbalist is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who played the zither, a stringed instrument that is popular in Eastern Europe.
The name Zimbalist has a rich history and is associated with several prominent figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Efrem Zimbalist Jr., an American actor best known for his role as Jim Hutton on the television series "77 Sunset Strip." Efrem Zimbalist Jr. was born in New York City in 1918 and began his acting career in the 1940s.
Another notable bearer of the name Zimbalist is Efrem Zimbalist Sr., a violinist and conductor who was born in Russia in 1889. He immigrated to the United States as a child and became a prominent figure in American classical music, serving as the concertmaster of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for over three decades.
Despite its Slavic origins, the name Zimbalist has become associated with Jewish culture due to its use by several notable figures in the field of Jewish music. For example, the Klezmer musician and composer Ben-Zion (Benjamin) Zimbalist was born in Russia in 1879 and immigrated to the United States where he became a prominent figure in the Jewish musical scene.
Overall, the name Zimbalist is a unique and distinctive given name with Slavic origins that has been associated with several prominent figures throughout history. Whether you're looking for a name with cultural significance or simply want something unique and memorable, Zimbalist could be an excellent choice.
The name Zimbalist has seen a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. In 1961, there were 8 recorded births with this unique name. A decade later, in 1972, the number of newborns named Zimbalist decreased slightly to 5. Overall, from these two years combined, a total of 13 individuals were given the name Zimbalist at birth. Despite its relative rarity compared to more common names, Zimbalist continues to be a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon moniker for their child.