Zelpha is a unique and uncommon female given name of unknown origin and meaning. Despite its rarity, there is no definitive information about the origins or history of the name Zelpha.
One theory suggests that Zelpha may have been derived from an ancient African name, possibly Zayla or Zeila, which were both used in ancient Ethiopia. However, this connection is not widely accepted and remains unconfirmed.
Another possibility is that Zelpha was created as a fictional name for literary or artistic purposes. The name does appear in some works of fiction, such as in the novel "The Land of the Lost" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, where it is given to one of the characters.
Regardless of its origins, the name Zelpha has not gained widespread popularity throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there have only been a handful of babies named Zelpha born each year since the 1950s, with the highest number being just six girls in 1967.
Today, Zelpha remains an uncommon and distinctive name that is often associated with its fictional appearances rather than any clear historical or cultural significance. Despite this, some parents may still choose to give their daughter this unique name as a way to honor its rarity and mystery.
The name Zelpha has been used relatively infrequently as a given name in the United States over the past century and a half. According to the data provided, there were a total of 956 babies named Zelpha between 1886 and 1957.
The most popular years for the name Zelpha were during World War I, with peaks in births occurring in 1915 (32 births), 1916 (39 births), and 1917 (35 births). This trend might be attributed to cultural influences during that time period.
However, it's important to note that the use of the name Zelpha declined significantly after World War I. Between 1918 and 1957, there were only 206 recorded births with the name Zelpha, averaging approximately five births per year.
The lowest point for the name Zelpha was in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with fewer than ten births per year. This trend is consistent with many other less common names during this time period.
Overall, while the name Zelpha has not been widely used in the United States, it has had some periods of popularity over the years. However, its usage has been relatively infrequent compared to more common names.