Zelig is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "zel", which means "shadow". The name Zelig is believed to have been popularized by the film "Zelig" directed by Woody Allen in 1983, although its use can be traced back much further.
In Jewish tradition, Zelig was a popular given name among Ashkenazi Jews. It was often given to boys born around the holiday of Purim, which celebrates the Jewish people's deliverance from Haman's evil decree to annihilate them. The name Zelig is also associated with the Talmudic sage, Rabbi Zelig ben Isaac, who lived during the Second Temple period.
The name Zelig has a rich history and cultural significance within the Jewish community. It was traditionally given to boys in the hope that they would grow up to be as wise and learned as the Talmudic sage, or that they would bring light and protection like the shadow of an object.
Today, Zelig remains a unique and distinctive name, often chosen by parents looking for something unusual yet meaningful. Its Hebrew origin gives it a connection to Jewish culture and tradition, while its association with Woody Allen's film has added a touch of Hollywood glamour to this timeless name.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Zelig has seen varying popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
The year with the highest number of births was 2021 and 2023, each with 12 births. This indicates that there has been an increase in the use of the name Zelig recently.
However, it is important to note that these numbers are relatively low compared to more popular names, which suggests that Zelig may be considered a unique or uncommon name.
Looking at the trend over time, there appears to be some fluctuation in the number of births per year. For example, there were 6 births in 1995 and then no recorded births for several years until 2000 when there were again 5 births. This suggests that Zelig may not have been consistently popular throughout this time period.
Overall, while Zelig has seen some variation in popularity over the past few decades, it remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States with only 170 total births recorded since 1995.