Zell

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZEL /ˈzɛl/Medium

Meaning: Zell is best read as a short form of Zella or Zelda (Zella often a feminine of Marcella or a form of Zillah; Zelda linked to Griselda, 'gray battle'), and it doubles as a German surname from zelle, 'cell, hermitage'. Its exact route varies, so it is offered as a likely reading.Low

In 30 seconds: Zell is most likely a short form of Zella or Zelda, or a German 'cell' surname. An early-1900s rarity (said ZEL).

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Origin LowGerman, English

MeaningZell is best read as a short form of Zella or Zelda (Zella often a feminine of Marcella or a form of Zillah; Zelda linked to Griselda, 'gray battle'), and it doubles as a German surname from zelle, 'cell, hermitage'. Its exact route varies, so it is offered as a likely reading.

U.S. rank (1958)#5404 ↗ Rising

1958 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1925

Total births (all-time)≈ 370

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

Zell appears in United States records from the 1890s into the mid-twentieth century as a crisp single-syllable rarity, most plausibly a short form of Zella or Zelda, or a use of the German surname Zell, 'cell, hermitage'. It was always uncommon, given to only a couple dozen girls a year.

A woman named Zell would belong to a great-grandmother generation, and the bright Z- sound feels surprisingly modern beside today's Zoe and Zara. Its likely parents, Zella and Zelda, are its fuller forms.

Did you know? One of Zell's likely parents, Zelda, is best known today through video games, but it began as a real early-twentieth-century women's name linked to Griselda.

Overall data confidence 32%

References — Zell — Likely short form of Zella/Zelda; German surname 'cell'; early-1900s

Variations

ZellaZeldaZelle

Nicknames

Zellie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zell…

Zella— a likely parent name

Zelda— the other likely parent

Zora— a like vintage Z- girl's name

Nell— another English name

Maudell— another vintage pick

Explore names like Zell

By themerare vintage short-form early-1900s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Zell mean?

It is most likely a short form of Zella or Zelda; it also exists as a German surname from zelle, 'cell, hermitage'.

How do you pronounce Zell?

It's said ZEL /ˈzɛl/, one syllable.

Is Zell a boy or girl name?

Zell is used here as a girl's name; it also appears as a surname.

How popular is Zell?

It was always rare, an early-twentieth-century name given to only a couple dozen girls a year.