Zola is a female given name of Italian origin. It means "peaceful" or "calm" in Italian. The name Zola is derived from the Italian word "zolla," which refers to a small piece of land or earth.
The name Zola has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as French writer Émile Zola, whose full name was Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola, and Italian designer Giò Ponti, whose full name was Giovanni Pietro Antonio Poncio, often referred to simply as "Giò Ponti." These individuals have contributed significantly to their respective fields of literature and design, leaving behind a lasting legacy that has helped to popularize the name Zola.
Despite its popularity among notable figures, the name Zola is not typically associated with any particular region or culture. Instead, it is recognized as a versatile and timeless name that can be used across various backgrounds and traditions.
Overall, the name Zola is a unique yet accessible choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its Italian origins and peaceful meaning make it an appealing option for those looking for a name with both style and substance.
The name Zola has been given to a total of 8,890 babies in the United States since 1880, with variations in its popularity over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was an increase in the number of births given the name Zola. The highest point during this period was reached in 1916 with 167 births. However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily until it fell below 50 births per year by the mid-1930s.
After a significant drop in the number of babies named Zola during World War II, the name's popularity remained relatively low throughout most of the mid-20th century. There were fewer than 20 births with the name Zola each year between 1957 and 1976.
However, starting in the late 1970s, there was a renewed interest in the name Zola. The number of babies named Zola began to rise again, reaching above 20 births per year by the early 1980s. This trend continued throughout most of the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
Since around 2005, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Zola. The number of babies named Zola has more than doubled since then, with over 240 births each year between 2016 and 2023.
In recent years, Zola has become one of the most popular baby names in the United States. It reached its highest point of popularity in 2020 with 276 births, and it continues to be a top choice for parents today. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Zola remains a unique and distinctive name that has been given to thousands of babies in the United States.