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Zelia
Pronounced ZEEL-yah /ˈzil.jɑ/Medium
Meaning: From Greek zelos, 'zeal, ardour' (via Zélie/Solange echoes), and/or a short form of Azelia/Cecilia; routes layeredLow
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
Zelia ties to Greek zelos, 'zeal, ardour, fervent devotion' — and also reads as a short form of Azelia or Cecilia (routes layered, which we note; the French Zélie, the devout mother of St Thérèse of Lisieux). A soft, lyrical, uncommon name (said 'ZEEL-yah' or 'ZEE-lee-ah').
In the U.S. it appears across communities. Rare, zealous-and-ardent at the root, and lyrical.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Zelia mean?
Zelia ties to Greek zelos, 'zeal, ardour', and may shorten Azelia/Cecilia; the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Zelia?
It's said ZEEL-yah /ˈzil.jɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Zelia a boy or girl name?
Zelia is a girl's name.
How popular is Zelia?
Zelia is a rare name in the U.S.