Zulema is a unique and beautiful name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Arabic name Zulaykha, which means "dark-haired beauty." The name has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
In the One Thousand and One Nights folk tales, Zuleika or Zulaykha is a queen who falls in love with her slave boy, Joseph. Despite being a powerful ruler, she cannot resist his charm and eventually marries him. This story has captivated generations of listeners and readers alike, making the name Zulema synonymous with strength, passion, and devotion.
The name Zulema was also popularized by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca in his play "Blood Wedding." One of the characters in the play is named Zulema, further cementing the name's place in Spanish literature and culture.
Today, Zulema continues to be a beloved name for girls, particularly in Hispanic communities. It is often associated with intelligence, creativity, and grace. Despite its international popularity, however, Zulema remains relatively rare, making it a standout choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their daughter.
The name Zulema has been given to a total of 3,939 baby girls in the United States since 1889. While it started off slowly with only 5 births each year between 1889 and 1905, its popularity began to grow in the early 1920s, reaching double digits for the first time in 1924.
The name continued to gain traction throughout the decade, peaking at 25 births in 1931. However, its popularity took a significant dip in the following years, with only single-digit occurrences between 1932 and 1947.
Zulema's popularity began to resurge in the late 1940s and early 1950s, reaching double digits again in 1948. This trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with the name becoming increasingly popular. In 1972, there were 53 births, a new high at the time.
The 1980s saw a slight decline in Zulema's popularity, but it remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 40 births per year. However, it began to rise again in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching 84 births in 1990.
The name continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, with a peak of 106 births in 1996. Despite a slight dip in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Zulema's popularity has remained steady in recent years, with around 50 births per year since 2017.
In 2021, there were 103 births, making it one of the most popular years for the name Zulema in recent history. Despite fluctuations over time, Zulema has proven to be a enduring and popular choice among parents in the United States.