Zebulon is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Zivlun," which means "dwelling" or "habitation." In the Bible, Zebulon was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of one of the tribes of Israel.
The name Zebulon first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it is listed among the twelve sons of Jacob. According to the story, Jacob blessed his son Zebulon before his death, saying that "Zebulon shall dwell at the shore of the sea" (Genesis 49:13). This blessing suggests that Zebulon and his descendants would live by the sea and engage in maritime activities.
Throughout history, the name Zebulon has been associated with various notable figures. One such figure is Zebulun, a Jewish high priest who served during the Second Temple period. Another famous Zebulon was Zebulun of Adiabene, a king who converted to Judaism and became a significant figure in Jewish history.
Today, Zebulon remains a rare but meaningful name choice for parents looking for something unique and distinctive for their child. While it may not be as commonly used as other Hebrew names like David or Samuel, the name Zebulon carries with it a rich history and biblical significance that makes it an appealing option for those who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
The name Zebulon has been given to babies in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1891 and the most recent in 2023.
Throughout this time period, there have been fluctuations in the popularity of the name. In the early years, there were relatively few births each year, with numbers ranging from 5 to 7 between 1891 and 1921. However, starting in the mid-1970s, the number of babies named Zebulon began to rise significantly.
In 1975, there were 25 births, which was a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued through the late 1970s and early 1980s, with peaks of 92 births in 1978 and 125 births in 1979.
However, after reaching this peak, the popularity of the name Zebulon began to decline. Between 1983 and 2003, there were typically fewer than 50 births each year. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name has still been given to babies consistently over time.
In recent years, there have been around 20-30 births per year with the name Zebulon, indicating that it remains a relatively uncommon but not entirely unused name choice for parents in the United States. As of 2023, the total number of births registered with the name Zebulon is 2105.
In conclusion, while the name Zebulon has not been among the most popular choices for babies in the United States, it has maintained a consistent presence over time and has been given to thousands of babies across more than a century.