Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zola
GirlItalian, American (modern coinage)
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Italian, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- ZOH-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,338
- US babies 2025
- 167
- Best rank
- #365 (1895)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Zola
Zola is usually linked to Italian and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Zola as a given name is uncertain. It is best known as the surname of the French novelist Émile Zola, whose family was of Italian origin, and the surname itself may come from an Italian word for a clod of earth. Some families also connect it with African names. As a first name, Zola sounds bright and artistic, with two quick syllables. It fits alongside names like Lola and Zora. The name is distinctive yet easy to say.
Popularity over time
Zola 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 66 different years. Its best national rank was #365 in 1895, and the most babies received it in 2018, when 278 were named Zola. In 2025, 167 babies were named Zola, and it ranked #1,338 nationally. That is 28% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #528 in 1920, #1,718 in 1950, #12,160 in 1980, #4,648 in 2000, #3,623 in 2010, and #1,338 in 2025. Of the 9,286 US girls named Zola since records began, 16% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 1,493 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Emani, Queen, Melania, Egypt, and Aadhya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zola ranked highest in Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #730 | 7 |
| Indiana | #814 | 8 |
| North Carolina | #833 | 12 |
| Michigan | #964 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #981 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zola is usually pronounced ZOH-luh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-la”.
Middle names for Zola
A few middle names that flow with Zola: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zola
Similar names
Briella Girl
bree-EH-luh
“short form of Gabriella” · American (modern coinage)
#362
Paola Girl
pah-OH-luh
“small” · Italian
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Shayla Girl
SHAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
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Perla Girl
PUR-luh
“pearl” · Spanish
#1,590
Shyla Girl
SHY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Zayla Girl
ZAY-luh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
#1,012
Kaila Girl
KAY-luh
“modern variant of Kayla” · American (modern coinage)
#2,133
Bella Girl
BEL-uh
“beautiful” · Italian
#136
Kayla Girl
KAY-luh
“modern coinage; possibly from Kay” · American (modern coinage)
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Lyla Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#80
Jayla Girl
JAY-luh
“blend of Jay and -la” · American (modern coinage)
#530
Nyla Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; possibly one who succeeds” · American (modern coinage)
#236
Lists that include Zola
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zola mean?
Zola is usually linked to Italian and American (modern coinage) roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Zola?
Zola has Italian and modern American roots. The origin of Zola as a given name is uncertain.
Is Zola a popular name?
Not especially. Zola ranked #1,338 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Zola a boy or girl name?
Zola is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zola?
Zola is usually pronounced ZOH-luh. 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