Zelia is a unique and captivating female name of Latin origin. It comes from the Roman family name Zelius, which was derived from the Latin word "zelus," meaning "zeal" or "zealous." This name was likely used as an agnomen, or nickname, for someone who displayed great enthusiasm or zeal in their actions.
In ancient Roman culture, agnomina were often given to individuals based on their personal characteristics or achievements. Therefore, it is possible that the name Zelia was originally bestowed upon a woman who exhibited exceptional passion, fervor, or dedication in her pursuits.
The use of Zelia as a given name is not well-documented throughout history. However, it is known that this name has been used sporadically since at least the Middle Ages. It may have been more common among families with Roman roots or those who were influenced by Latin culture and literature.
Today, Zelia remains an uncommon but intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter. Its unique sound and Latin origins give it an air of sophistication and timelessness. While its meaning of "zeal" or "zealous" may not be explicitly obvious to everyone who hears the name, those who are familiar with its etymology might appreciate the subtle reference to passion and enthusiasm.
In conclusion, Zelia is a captivating female name of Latin origin that has been used sporadically throughout history. Its meaning, derived from the Latin word "zelus," conveys a sense of zeal or fervor, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The given statistics track the annual number of births with the name Zelia in the United States from 1883 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 1,120 babies named Zelia born in the U.S.
Analyzing the data, we observe that the popularity of the name Zelia has fluctuated over time. The highest number of births with this name occurred in 2022, with 23 instances. Conversely, there were years when only a single baby girl was named Zelia, such as in 1883 and 1964.
The trend shows that the name Zelia gained some traction during certain periods before tapering off again. For example, between 1897 and 1902, there were consistently around five to ten births per year with this name. However, it's important to note that these numbers are relatively low compared to other popular names in the same time period.
Overall, while Zelia has not been one of the most common baby girl names in the United States, it has maintained a steady presence throughout history, with at least one child being named Zelia every year between 1883 and 2023.