Zenas is a unique and distinctive given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Zeinos," which means "hospitable" or "welcoming." The name Zenas has been used throughout history, notably in the New Testament of the Bible where it is mentioned as one of the seven sons of Simon who accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys.
The name Zenas first appears in the King James Version of the Bible, specifically in Acts 21:8-9. Here, we are introduced to a man named Zenas, who was a lawyer and an early Christian convert. This biblical reference has contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Zenas among religious families.
Despite its ancient roots, the name Zenas remains relatively uncommon today. It is often associated with individuals who have strong ties to their faith or those who appreciate the unique sound and meaning of the name. The name Zenas is also sometimes used as a middle name or given as a nod to its historical significance.
In terms of its popularity, Zenas has not ranked highly in recent years on lists of most popular baby names. However, it continues to be valued by those who choose it for its distinctive sound and meaningful origin. Overall, the name Zenas is an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name with historical significance.
The name Zenas has been given to a total of 442 babies born in the United States over the past century and a half, based on the available data from 1885 to 2018.
Throughout this period, there were several periods where the name became more popular. For instance, during the late 1980s to early 1990s, the number of babies named Zenas increased significantly with peaks in 1987 (19 births), 1988 (21 births), and 1991 (18 births). This period saw the highest concentration of Zenas births compared to any other decade or century.
Conversely, there were times when the name was rarely used. In the early part of the 20th century, from 1911 to 1935, Zenas was given to only five babies per year on average, with some years recording no births at all. Similarly, in recent years, from 2008 onwards, there were consistently low numbers of newborns named Zenas, typically around five each year.
Overall, while the name Zenas has not been particularly common throughout history, it has seen periods of relative popularity and continues to be used occasionally today.