Zion

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZY-un /ˈzaɪ.ən/High

Meaning: Highest point; monument; the holy mountain of God in Jerusalem — from Hebrew TsiyyonHigh

In 30 seconds: A powerful Hebrew place name meaning 'the highest point' or 'holy mountain,' Zion is the Biblical hill of Jerusalem and a symbol of God's holy dwelling. It has entered the top 200 American boys' names.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningHighest point; monument; the holy mountain of God in Jerusalem — from Hebrew Tsiyyon

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 26,355

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Zion derives from the Hebrew Tsiyyon, referring to a hill in Jerusalem that became a symbol of God's holy dwelling and the Jewish people's spiritual homeland. It is mentioned over 150 times in the Hebrew Bible.

As a given name Zion has been rising in the United States across several communities — including Christian, Jewish, and Rastafarian-influenced naming traditions. It entered the top 200 boys' names in the 2010s.

Did you know? Zion is central to the concept of Zionism, the movement for a Jewish homeland; and in Rastafarian faith, Zion represents Africa and the promised land of repatriation.

Variations

SionTsion

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

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If you like Zion…

Elijah— Hebrew prophetic place-of-God name with the same spiritual power

Isaiah— Hebrew prophet name with the same mountain-of-God resonance

Ezra— short Hebrew Biblical name with the same ancient spiritual gravitas

Atlas— powerful mythological place-concept name with the same bold meaning

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zion mean?

Zion comes from the Hebrew Tsiyyon, meaning 'highest point' or 'monument,' referring to the holy mountain in Jerusalem that symbolizes God's dwelling.

How do you pronounce Zion?

It is said ZY-un /ˈzaɪ.ən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Zion a boy or girl name?

Zion is used primarily as a boy's name, though it is occasionally given to girls.

How popular is Zion?

Zion has been rising in the U.S. and now appears in the top 200 boys' names.