"gift, present (as in Leahs exclamation)"
Zebulun
Does Zebulun flow with your last name?
A bold biblical name from one of Israels twelve tribes
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Zebulun
Zebulun is an ancient Hebrew name borne by one of the twelve sons of Jacob and Leah in the Hebrew Bible. The name comes from the root zaval meaning to dwell or to honor, with Leah exclaiming at his birth God has endowed me with a good gift; now my husband will dwell with me (Genesis 30:20). The tribe of Zebulun in ancient Israel occupied territory in what is now northern Israel near the Sea of Galilee, and their descendants were known as seafarers.
Zebulun was common among Puritan families in 17th-18th century New England who favored obscure biblical names as marks of faith and distinction. It fell sharply out of fashion through the 19th century, though Governor Zebulon Vance of North Carolina (1830-1894) and explorer Zebulon Pike kept it visible. Today it appeals mainly to families seeking deeply biblical or heritage names.
As one of the twelve tribes of Israel, Zebulun holds deep significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. The Book of Revelation lists Zebulun among the tribes sealed before the throne of God. In Christian typology, the Tribe of Zebuluns maritime territory foreshadowed the Gospel going to the sea and to the Gentiles.
Historical Record
Zebulun first appeared in US Social Security records in 1973.
Over 870 babies have been named Zebulun in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Zebulun is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,708 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Zebulon Pike, the explorer for whom Pikes Peak is named, bore the variant spelling Zebulon
- The Tribe of Zebulun was considered the seafaring tribe of ancient Israel, occupying land near the Mediterranean
Zebulun in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Zebulun
Zebulon Vance
Politician
1830
American statesman who served as Governor of North Carolina and US Senator
Zebulon Pike
Explorer
1779
American explorer and military officer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is named
Zebulun (Biblical)
Other
Sixth son of Jacob and Leah in the Hebrew Bible, ancestor of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,708
- Total SSA Count
- 30
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Christian Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, Jewish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Zebulun
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zebulun
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About the Name Zebulun
Zebulun is a boy name with Jewish, Christian, and Biblical origins . The name means "gift, present (as in Leahs exclamation)" in Hebrew .
Zebulun is currently ranked #3,708 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Zebulun has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Zebulun include Zeb and Zeb. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Zebulun include Zebulon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis