"highest point, citadel"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Zion
Pronunciation: [ z-EYE-uhn ]
Does Zion flow with your last name?
A name carrying the weight of three faiths' holiest hopes
Hebrew
African American
American
Rastafarian
Spiritual
Bold
Strong
Modern
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Zion
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"promised land, paradise"
Origin: Hebrew/Theological
Language: Theological
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The Story of Zion
Zion derives from the Hebrew 'Tzion,' referring to the hill in Jerusalem on which the City of David was built, and more broadly to Jerusalem itself and the Land of Israel. In Christian theology, Zion symbolizes the heavenly city and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In Rastafarian belief, Zion represents Africa (particularly Ethiopia) as a spiritual homeland and utopia.
Zion has climbed US charts as a gender-neutral and increasingly feminine name since the 2000s. Athletes named Zion (particularly NBA star Zion Williamson) have kept it in public consciousness, while its use for girls reflects the trend of traditionally male biblical names crossing over.
Zion is central to Judaism, Christianity, and Rastafarianism — rare for a single word to hold such significance across three faiths. In Jewish tradition, Zion represents the heart of Israel; in Christianity, the heavenly city; in Rastafarianism, the African utopia free from oppression.
Historical Record
Zion first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 6,928 babies have been named Zion in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Zion is past its peak , currently ranked #1,913 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Zion National Park in Utah was named by Mormons who saw the striking landscape as sacred
- NBA star Zion Williamson was one of the highest-drafted players in recent history, further boosting the name's visibility
Zion in Other Languages
Greek
Σιών
Arabic
صهيون
Hebrew
צִיּוֹן
Spanish
Sión
Popularity Over Time
#1,913
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2007
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,913
- Total SSA Count
- 104
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew African American American Rastafarian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Zi
Zy
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Zion
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Zion is also used as a boy name, ranked #151.
View Zion as a boy name →Similar Names
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Compare Zion with...
Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zion
What does the name Zion mean?
"highest point, citadel" (from Hebrew). "promised land, paradise" (from Hebrew/Theological). Zion derives from the Hebrew 'Tzion,' referring to the hill in Jerusalem on which the City of David was built, and more broadly to Jerusalem itself and the Land of Israel. In Christian theology, Zion symbolizes the heavenly city and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. In Rastafarian belief, Zion represents Africa (particularly Ethiopia) as a spiritual homeland and utopia.
What is the origin of the name Zion?
Zion has Hebrew, Hebrew/Theological, African American, American, and Rastafarian origins. In Hebrew, it means "highest point, citadel". In Hebrew/Theological, it means "promised land, paradise".
Is Zion a boy or girl name?
Zion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1913. As a boy name, it is ranked #151. Zion is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Zion?
Zion is pronounced z-EYE-uhn.
How popular is the name Zion?
Zion is currently ranked #1913 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Zion?
Popular middle name pairings include Zion Grace, Zion Faith, Zion Hope, Zion Marie, Zion Joy, and Zion Renee.
What are good sibling names for Zion?
Names that pair well with Zion as siblings include Eden, Israel, Canaan, Shiloh, Micah, and Judah.
How many syllables does Zion have?
Zion has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Zion a common or rare name?
Zion is an uncommon name, ranked #1913 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Zion?
Are there other spellings for Zion?
Related spellings include Ziora.
About the Name Zion
Zion is a girl name with Hebrew, African American, American, and Rastafarian origins . The name means "highest point, citadel" in Hebrew .
Is Zion a boy or girl name? Zion is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,913 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #151. Zion is more commonly used as a boy name.
Zion is currently ranked #1,913 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Zion has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-EYE-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Zion include Zi and Zy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Zion include Ziora . 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