Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Zion
BoyHebrew· “a hill in Jerusalem”
- Meaning
- a hill in Jerusalem
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ZY-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #142
- US babies 2025
- 2,496
- Best rank
- #125 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Zion
Zion is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “a hill in Jerusalem”.
Zion is the name of a hill in Jerusalem, the site of an ancient fortress that King David captured. In the Bible the name came to stand for Jerusalem as a whole and, more broadly, for the people of Israel and the idea of a holy city. The original meaning of the word is uncertain; some suggest "fortress" or "dry place." The name also has deep significance in Rastafari and in African American spirituals. As a given name, Zion has grown steadily in the United States, used mostly for boys. It sounds bold and hopeful, and its spiritual associations appeal to many families.
Popularity over time
Zion first appears in US Social Security records in 1917. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 28 different years, starting in 1998. Its best national rank was #125 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,889 babies. In 2025, 2,496 babies were named Zion, and it ranked #142 nationally. That is 47% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #6,246 in 1980, #300 in 2000, #229 in 2010, and #142 in 2025. Of the 46,871 US boys named Zion since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 15,693 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jasper, Milo, Matteo, Elliot, and Ace.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zion ranked highest in Hawaii, New Mexico, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #62 | 14 |
| New Mexico | #87 | 22 |
| Maryland | #104 | 55 |
| Nevada | #104 | 31 |
| Florida | #106 | 211 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 87% of US babies named Zion over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Zion is usually pronounced ZY-uhn, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Zion
A few middle names that flow with Zion: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zion
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Lists that include Zion
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zion mean?
Zion is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “a hill in Jerusalem”.
What is the origin of the name Zion?
Zion has Hebrew roots. Zion is the name of a hill in Jerusalem, the site of an ancient fortress that King David captured.
Is Zion a popular name?
Yes. Zion ranked #142 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Zion a boy or girl name?
Zion is mainly a boy's name. About 87% of US babies named Zion over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Zion?
Zion is usually pronounced ZY-uhn. 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