Zelah is a unique and captivating name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Tzila," which means "shadow." This name has a rich historical significance in Jewish culture, as it was the name of the wife of King David's son Absalom.
The name Zelah first appears in the Bible, specifically in 2 Samuel chapter 14, where Tzila is mentioned as the daughter of Ammiel from Maachah. She was taken captive by Absalom along with his other concubines during a rebellion against his father King David. Despite its tragic historical context, the name Zelah has evolved over time to represent elegance, mystery, and individuality.
In modern times, Zelah is often associated with intelligence and creativity, reflecting the independent spirit of those who bear this unique name. It is also seen as a symbol of strength and resilience, embodying the courage shown by women like Tzila throughout history.
Today, Zelah remains an uncommon but intriguing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters. Its Hebrew origins and historical significance add depth to its beauty, while its unique sound makes it stand out among more traditional names. In many ways, the name Zelah reflects the multifaceted nature of womanhood itself – combining elegance with strength, mystery with resilience, and uniqueness with timelessness.
According to the given statistics, the name Zelah has seen varying popularity over recent years in the United States. From 2012 to 2023, there were a total of 63 babies named Zelah born in the U.S. The number of births peaked at 11 in 2019, suggesting that this year marked the highest point of popularity for the name during the period recorded.
However, it's important to note that these numbers represent only a small fraction of total births each year in the country, indicating that Zelah remains relatively uncommon among American baby names.