Zuleika is a unique and captivating name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "Zulaykha," which means "dark-eyed." This beautiful name has been popular in various cultures throughout history, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and among Muslims worldwide.
The name Zuleika gained significant attention due to its appearance in One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales. In these stories, Zuleykha is a beloved character who is known for her beauty and intelligence. She is often depicted as having dark eyes, which gives credence to the meaning behind her name.
Throughout history, several prominent figures have borne this enchanting name. One notable example is Zuleika bint Yazid, a renowned poet from early Islamic history. Her work was highly regarded, showcasing her exceptional literary talent and intellectual prowess.
In popular culture, the name Zuleika has been used in various forms of media. For instance, it appears as a character's name in works by famous authors such as Thomas Hardy ("The Dynasts") and Italo Calvino ("If on a Winter's Night a Traveler").
Today, Zuleika remains a charming and distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. Its rich history and beautiful meaning make it a timeless option that has stood the test of time across various cultures and generations.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Zuleika in the United States from 1967 to 2023. The data shows fluctuations in popularity over time, with peaks and valleys in the frequency of the name.
From 1967 to 1985, the number of births with the name Zuleika ranged between 6 and 31 per year, with a peak of 31 births in 1987. From 1986 onwards, there was an increase in the popularity of the name, reaching a peak of 54 births in 2007.
After 2007, the popularity of the name began to decline, with the number of births ranging between 16 and 41 per year until 2016. Since then, there has been a slight increase in popularity, with 25 births each year in 2016 and 2017, followed by a decrease to 17 births in 2018.
In recent years, the number of births with the name Zuleika has stabilized around 10-19 per year, with peaks of 40 births in 2014 and 19 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 1196 births with the name Zuleika in the United States between 1967 and 2023.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name Zuleika appears to follow no clear trend but rather fluctuates over time. Parents may choose this name for its unique sound or because they associate it with positive qualities, but it seems that its popularity is not influenced by any specific cultural or historical factors. Ultimately, the choice of a name for a child is a deeply personal decision and can be based on many different factors.