"to give thanks, thankfulness"
Origin: Shona (Zimbabwe)
Language: Shona
Zendaya
Does Zendaya flow with your last name?
A Shona song of thanks, worn by a modern icon
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with actress Zendaya Coleman since 2010; parents should expect constant name recognition
The Story of Zendaya
Zendaya comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, where it means to give thanks or thankfulness. The Shona people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Zimbabwe, and their language is known for its musicality and expressive vocabulary. The name was given to singer-actress Zendaya Coleman by her father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who has Malawian roots, as a tribute to African heritage and gratitude.
Zendaya as a baby name is almost entirely driven by actress and singer Zendaya Coleman, whose rise from Disney's Shake It Up (2010) to Emmy-winning Euphoria (2022) and the Dune and Spider-Man franchises has made her one of the most influential young artists of her generation. Naming a daughter Zendaya is essentially naming her after a living icon.
Shona is spoken by approximately 15 million people in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. Within Shona naming tradition, names often reflect the circumstances of birth or the family's emotional state — a child named Zendaya was born into a moment of thanksgiving. The name's African origin makes it part of a growing movement of African-heritage names gaining mainstream appreciation.
Historical Record
Zendaya first appeared in US Social Security records in 2011.
Over 3,672 babies have been named Zendaya in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Zendaya is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #943 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Shona people of Zimbabwe are one of Africa's largest ethnic groups with a rich oral tradition
- Zendaya Coleman became the youngest person to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020
- Zendaya means thankfulness in Shona — the same root as Tendai, another Shona name meaning to be thankful
Zendaya in Other Languages
Shona
Zendaya
Arabic
زنداية
French
Zendaya
Spanish
Zendaya
Popularity Over Time
#943
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Zendaya
Z
Zendaya Coleman
Actor
1996
Emmy-winning American actress and singer known for Euphoria, Dune, and the Spider-Man franchise
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Compare Zendaya with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #943
- Total SSA Count
- 279
- Cultural Origins
- African Shona American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Zen
Daya
Zay
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Zendaya
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zendaya
What does the name Zendaya mean?
"to give thanks, thankfulness" (from Shona (Zimbabwe)). Zendaya comes from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, where it means to give thanks or thankfulness. The Shona people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Zimbabwe, and their language is known for its musicality and expressive vocabulary. The name was given to singer-actress Zendaya Coleman by her father Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, who has Malawian roots, as a tribute to African heritage and gratitude.
What is the origin of the name Zendaya?
Zendaya has Shona (Zimbabwe), African, Shona, and American origins. In Shona (Zimbabwe), it means "to give thanks, thankfulness".
Is Zendaya a boy or girl name?
Zendaya is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Zendaya?
Zendaya is currently ranked #943 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Zendaya?
Common nicknames for Zendaya include Zen, Daya, and Zay.
What are good middle names for Zendaya?
Popular middle name pairings include Zendaya Marie, Zendaya Rose, Zendaya Faith, Zendaya Grace, Zendaya Noelle, and Zendaya Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Zendaya?
Names that pair well with Zendaya as siblings include Zara, Malia, Solomon, Quincy, Amara, and Nia.
How many syllables does Zendaya have?
Zendaya has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Zendaya a common or rare name?
Zendaya is moderately common, ranked #943 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Zendaya
Zendaya is a girl name with African, Shona, and American origins . The name means "to give thanks, thankfulness" in Shona (Zimbabwe) .
Zendaya is currently ranked #943 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Zendaya has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Zendaya include Zen, Daya, and Zay. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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