Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Zeke
BoyHebrew, English· “God strengthens”
- Meaning
- God strengthens
- Origin
- Hebrew, English
- Pronunciation
- ZEEK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #803
- US babies 2025
- 311
- Best rank
- #610 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Zeke
Zeke is a Hebrew and English name that means “God strengthens”.
Zeke is a short form of Ezekiel, from the Hebrew Yechezkel, meaning God strengthens. The prophet Ezekiel, whose visions fill the Book of Ezekiel, is one of the major prophets of the Hebrew Bible. Zeke has long been used as a casual, friendly nickname, especially in the American South and West, and it now stands on its own as a given name. It is short, energetic and a little cowboy-cool, fitting beside names like Jake and Luke. If you want a formal option, Ezekiel is a natural choice that shortens to Zeke.
Other spellings with the same sound: Zeek.
Popularity over time
Zeke has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 19 different years. Its best national rank was #610 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 459 babies. In 2025, 311 babies were named Zeke, and it ranked #803 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #4,987 in 1920, #4,195 in 1950, #1,694 in 1980, #1,419 in 2000, #1,052 in 2010, and #803 in 2025. Of the 8,371 US boys named Zeke since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,396 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Chaim, Axton, Mac, Watson, and Koen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zeke ranked highest in South Dakota, Utah, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #256 | 6 |
| Utah | #315 | 16 |
| Kentucky | #449 | 11 |
| Wisconsin | #483 | 11 |
| Nevada | #515 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Zeke is usually pronounced ZEEK, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ke”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Zeek.
Middle names for Zeke
A few middle names that flow with Zeke: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zeke
Similar names
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Lists that include Zeke
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zeke mean?
Zeke is a Hebrew and English name that means “God strengthens”.
What is the origin of the name Zeke?
Zeke has Hebrew and English roots. Zeke is a short form of Ezekiel, from the Hebrew Yechezkel, meaning God strengthens.
Is Zeke a popular name?
Yes. Zeke ranked #803 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zeke a boy or girl name?
Zeke is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Zeke?
Zeke is usually pronounced ZEEK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings