Origin and meaning of the name Zela

The origin of the given name Zela is traced back to multiple sources, with various interpretations due to its usage across different cultures. One possible origin is from the Basque region in Spain and France, where it is a variant of the name Aitzol, meaning "new estate" or "fresh settlement". Another theory suggests that Zela might be derived from the Hebrew name Tsalah, which means "dew of heaven", although this connection is less certain. In Armenian, Zela is an ancient town and a bishopric in the province of Taron. The name may have been brought to other regions by Armenians over time. It's also worth noting that names often evolve and adapt as they spread, so it's not uncommon for names like Zela to have multiple origins or connections to different cultures throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the name Zela

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Zela

The name Zela is derived from the Basque language, where it means "shining" or "bright." It's a unisex name, but more commonly used for females in various cultures. The Basque people are a unique ethnic group residing mainly in the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, known for their distinct language and cultural traditions. The popularity of the name Zela has spread beyond its origin due to the increasing interest in unique and international names. It's a radiant choice for parents seeking a name that carries a sense of brilliance and exoticism.

Character traits associated with the name Zela

Zela is often perceived as an individual with strong determination and independence. This name is believed to be associated with a creative spirit, as individuals named Zela are thought to have an artistic or inventive streak. They are known for their adaptability, being able to handle changes in their environment with ease. Furthermore, Zela is considered to possess a friendly and sociable nature, making them approachable and easy to talk to. However, they may also display a protective side, showing great loyalty towards their loved ones. Overall, the name Zela is associated with intelligence, creativity, adaptability, sociability, and loyalty.

Popularity of the name Zela

The name Zela is not among the most commonly used names globally, but it does possess some regional popularity. In the United States, for instance, Zela ranked outside the top 1000 baby girl names in 2020 according to data from the Social Security Administration. However, in countries like Ukraine and Croatia, Zela is more prevalent and has historical significance as a diminutive form of names like Elizaveta or Izabela. Additionally, its unique spelling may contribute to its appeal among parents seeking less common names for their children. Ultimately, the popularity of the name Zela varies across different regions and cultural contexts.

Famous people with the name Zela

Zelia Barbosa is a Brazilian samba singer and percussionist, known for her powerful voice and energetic performances. She was born in Salvador, Bahia, and began her career as a backup singer for various artists before launching her solo career in the 1970s. Zelia has released numerous albums and won several awards, including the Latin Grammy Award for Best Samba/Pagode Album.

Another notable figure named Zela is Zélie Martinez, a French actress who gained fame for her role as Margot in the film "The Intouchables." Born in Paris, Martinez began her acting career in the early 2000s and has since appeared in several films and television shows. She won the César Award for Most Promising Actress for her performance in "The Intouchables" and has been nominated for multiple other awards.

Finally, Zella Day is an American singer-songwriter who first gained attention with the release of her debut single "Sweet Sixteen" in 2014. Born in Pahrump, Nevada, Day's music combines elements of dream pop, folk, and country, and she has toured extensively in support of her albums "Kicker" and "Where Does the Devil Hide." She has also collaborated with artists such as Troye Sivan and Robert Smith of The Cure.

Variations of the name Zela

The variant forms of the given name Zela include Zelah, Zelaya, and Zelia. Zelah is an English variation that originates from Hebrew, meaning "shadow" or "obscure." Zelaya is a Spanish name derived from the surname which means "owner of olive trees." Zelia is an Italian variation, also meaning "shadowy" or "obscure," similar to its English counterpart. Additionally, it has been used as a short form for names ending with -zelia, such as Antoniazela and Mariazela in Portuguese-speaking cultures. These variations offer diverse cultural and linguistic roots for the name Zela.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "zela"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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