Zélie is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "zèbre," which means "zebra." The name Zelie is believed to have been coined by French author George Sand in her novel "Zélie dans les bois" published in 1850.
In France, Zélie has been traditionally used as a nickname for women named Marie-Azélie. However, it has gained popularity as an independent given name in recent years. Zelie is also used occasionally in other French-speaking countries and in English-speaking countries where French culture has had an influence.
Despite its French origin, the name Zelie has no specific meaning or association with any particular saint or historical figure. It is simply a beautiful and unique name that stands on its own merit. The name Zelie has a soft, melodic sound to it, making it both distinctive and easy to remember.
Today, Zélie continues to be a rare but cherished feminine given name. Its uniqueness makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different from the traditional top names. While it may not have any particular historical significance or meaning, Zelie's French origins and its association with the creative mind of George Sand give it a certain artistic cachet that many find appealing.
The name Zelie has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 2002, there were only five babies named Zelie, but by 2023, that number had grown to 115, marking an impressive 22x increase.
Interestingly, the name's popularity has been steadily rising since 2008, when it was given to ten newborns. Between 2008 and 2015, the number of babies named Zelie more than quadrupled, from ten in 2008 to 50 in 2015.
However, the most significant leap occurred between 2015 and 2016, with a remarkable 74% increase. In 2015, there were 50 babies named Zelie, but by 2016, that number had jumped to 87, indicating that Zelie was quickly becoming a popular choice among parents.
Since then, the name has maintained its popularity, with over 79 births in each of the past six years. In fact, 2021 saw the highest number of babies named Zelie, with 142 newborns bearing this unique moniker.
Overall, from 2002 to 2023, a total of 1031 babies were named Zelie in the United States. This trend shows that while it may not have been a common name two decades ago, Zelie has since become an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive and memorable name for their children.