Zoella is a unique and distinctive female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Greek word "zoë," which means "life." The name Zoella has a rich history and cultural significance.
The name Zoella first gained popularity in the late 19th century, during the Victorian era in England. During this time, there was a renewed interest in classical Greek culture and literature, which led to an increase in names of Greek origin being used for children. Zoella was one such name that became popular among the upper classes.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Zoella is found in the novel "The Life of Charlotte Brontë" written by Elizabeth Gaskell in 1857. In the novel, there is a character named Zoë, which is a variation of Zoella. This may have contributed to the name's popularity at the time.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Zoella. One such figure is Zoë Wicomb, a South African novelist and academic who was awarded the prestigious Windham-Campbell Prize in 2019 for her body of work. Another notable Zoella is Zoe Ball, a British television presenter and radio DJ who has been recognized as one of the most successful media personalities in the UK.
Today, Zoella remains a relatively rare name but continues to be chosen by parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughters. Its association with life and vitality makes it an appealing choice for many families.
Zoella is a unique and distinctive name that has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early 20th century, there were very few babies named Zoella each year. However, starting in the late 2010s, the number of newborn girls given this name began to increase dramatically.
In 2018, for the first time since records began, more than 30 baby girls were named Zoella in a single year. This trend continued into the following years, with 34 births in 2019 and an impressive 41 births in 2022. This surge in popularity is evident when comparing these numbers to the earlier decades where only a handful of babies each year were given this name.
Overall, since 1920, there have been a total of 277 baby girls named Zoella born in the United States. While it's difficult to predict future trends, it appears that Zoella is here to stay as a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive and memorable name for their daughters.