Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Ziva

Ziva

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZEE-vah /ˈziː.vΙ™/Low

Meaning: Brilliance, radiance, glowing lightLow

In 30 seconds: Ziva is a radiant Hebrew name meaning brilliance or radiance. Used in Jewish communities for generations, it gained wider recognition through the popular NCIS character Ziva David, making it one of the most recognized Hebrew feminine names in the United States.
πŸ’• Browse more names
Origin LowHebrew
MeaningBrilliance, radiance, glowing light
U.S. rank (2024)#1432 β†˜ Falling
2024 U.S. births155 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 2,669

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 201119602024

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

History & Origin

Ziva comes from the Hebrew root ziv meaning radiance, brilliance, or glowing light. The name has been used in Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. It conveys a luminous, powerful quality in two simple syllables.

Ziva is popular in Israel and growing in the United States, particularly among Jewish families and fans of the NCIS character. Its two syllables are strong and its meaning of radiance is beautifully aspirational.

Did you know? NCIS agent Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo from 2005-2019, became one of television's most beloved characters, bringing the name Ziva from relative obscurity to widespread recognition in American popular culture.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Ziva

Variations

ZivahZivZivka

Nicknames

Zi

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Ziva Kunda (1955-2004)
    Israeli-Canadian social psychologist known for her influential work on motivated reasoning

If you like Ziva…

Noaβ€” Hebrew feminine name of same Israeli popularity
Mayaβ€” Two-syllable Hebrew/Sanskrit name of similar luminosity
Shiraβ€” Hebrew song name of same Israeli origin
Lioraβ€” Hebrew light name of same radiant meaning

Frequently Asked

What does Ziva mean?

Ziva means brilliance or radiance in Hebrew, from the root ziv meaning glowing light.

Who is Ziva David?

Ziva David is a beloved NCIS character played by Cote de Pablo from 2005-2019, who brought this Hebrew name to wide American recognition.

How do you pronounce Ziva?

Ziva is pronounced ZEE-vah with two syllables.

What names are similar to Ziva?

Similar Hebrew names include Noa, Maya, and Liora.