Zalea

♀ Girl

Pronounced zuh-LEE-uh /zəˈliː.ə/Medium

Meaning: A modern coinage with no settled meaning, most often read as a clipping of Azalea (the flowering shrub, whose name comes from Greek azaleos, 'dry'). Some families simply like the sound. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A flower, trimmed: Zalea is most often heard as a clipped Azalea (said 'zuh-LEE-uh'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningA modern coinage with no settled meaning, most often read as a clipping of Azalea (the flowering shrub, whose name comes from Greek azaleos, 'dry'). Some families simply like the sound. Routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13394 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2010

Total births (all-time)≈ 150

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Zalea is a modern coinage, most naturally read as a clipping of Azalea, the flowering shrub named from Greek azaleos, 'dry'. Beyond that, it is chosen for its soft, rolling sound. Routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'zuh-LEE-uh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, coined, and floral by association.

Did you know? Azalea's name comes from Greek azaleos, 'dry' — the shrub was thought to thrive in dry soil. Zalea keeps the music and drops the A; routes uncertain, which we note (said 'zuh-LEE-uh').

Overall data confidence 30%

References — Zalea — modern coinage; Azalea clipping; routes uncertain

Variations

AzaleaZaleahZalia

Nicknames

ZalLea

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zalea…

Azalea— the flower name it clips

Thalia— a like flowing Greek-rooted pick

Amelia— a similar three-beat classic

Zaria— a like Z- modern choice

Explore names like Zalea

By themeuncertain modern coined floral

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zalea mean?

Zalea has no settled meaning; it is most often read as a clipping of Azalea, the flowering shrub. Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Zalea?

It's said zuh-LEE-uh /zəˈliː.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Zalea a boy or girl name?

Zalea is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Zalea?

Zalea is a rare name for girls in the U.S.