Zelphia is an uncommon yet intriguing feminine name with a unique origin and history. The name Zelphia is derived from the Greek word "zelos," which means "zeal" or "jealousy." However, it is essential to note that Zelphia was not widely used as a given name in ancient Greece.
The first known instance of the name Zelphia appears in English literature in the late 16th century. It was used by Edmund Spenser in his epic poem "The Faerie Queene" (1590-1596) as one of the names of Gloriana, the Fairy Queen. Spenser might have created the name Zelphia himself or adapted it from an obscure classical source.
Despite its early appearance in English literature, Zelphia was not popular as a given name during the following centuries. It remained relatively unknown until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it started to appear occasionally in birth records and baby name lists.
Today, Zelphia is still considered an uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters. The name Zelphia carries a certain mystique and rarity that makes it appealing to those who appreciate unusual yet significant names.
In conclusion, Zelphia is an intriguing feminine name with a fascinating history and origin. While its meaning may be associated with jealousy in some interpretations, the name has been used in literature as a symbol of glory and majesty. Ultimately, the interpretation of the name Zelphia lies in the hands of those who bear it or choose to bestow it upon others, as they can assign their own significance to this uncommon yet captivating name.
Zelphia is a unique and uncommon name that has been given to babies born in the United States over the past century. According to historical records, Zelphia was first bestowed upon five baby girls in 1886. This number remained relatively low until the early 1900s when there were six births in both 1896 and 1904.
Interestingly, Zelphia's popularity peaked between the years of 1916 to 1927. During this period, the name was given to an average of 13 babies each year, with a high of 19 births in 1921. However, like many uncommon names, Zelphia's popularity began to decline after the 1920s.
By the mid-20th century, only around five to eleven baby girls were named Zelphia per year, with notable spikes occurring in 1965 (eight births) and 1970 (eleven births). Overall, over the course of more than a century, from 1886 to 1970, there were a total of 414 babies born in the United States who were named Zelphia.