Zola

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZOH-luh /ˈzoʊ.lə/High

Meaning: Earth; from Zulu/Xhosa zola (to be still, to be calm, tranquil); also an Italian surname from Latin/Germanic rootsMedium

In 30 seconds: A name with two distinct roots: Zulu/Xhosa 'to be calm or still,' and the Italian surname of novelist Émile Zola, possibly from Germanic or Latin. Its short, bright two-syllable sound and cool Z-opening make it a modern favorite.

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Origin MediumAfrican, Italian

MeaningEarth; from Zulu/Xhosa zola (to be still, to be calm, tranquil); also an Italian surname from Latin/Germanic roots

U.S. rank (2025)#1338 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births167 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,284

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

Zola has two independent origins. In Southern African Zulu and Xhosa traditions, Zola means 'to be calm, still, or tranquil.' In European naming, Zola is associated with the French novelist Émile Zola, whose surname has Italian roots (possibly from Latin or Germanic). As a given name it bridges both traditions.

Zola appeared in U.S. birth data from the late 20th century and has been rising since. It ranked #1106 for girls in 2024. Its Z-opening, two-syllable sound, and the association with the Zola app (wedding registry) have kept it current.

Did you know? Émile Zola (1840–1902) is best known for his open letter J'Accuse (1898), which accused the French military of anti-Semitism in the Dreyfus Affair — one of the most famous acts of literary courage in modern history.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Zola — African and Italian etymologiesU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZoellaZolah

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Zola Budd (1966-)
South African middle-distance runner who competed barefoot
★Zola Jesus (1989-)
stage name of American singer-songwriter Nika Roza Danilova

If you like Zola…

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Lola— two-syllable -ola ending name with the same playful brightness

Mila— two-syllable -ila name with the same crisp, international feel

Explore names like Zola

By themetwo-syllable short italian african zulu xhosa z-opening

By meaningPeace Earth / Nature

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zola mean?

Zola means 'to be calm or still' in Zulu and Xhosa (South African), and is also the Italian surname of French novelist Émile Zola.

How do you pronounce Zola?

It's said ZOH-luh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Zola a boy or girl name?

Zola is used as a girls' name in the U.S.

How popular is Zola?

Zola ranked #1106 for U.S. girls in 2024.