Zola

Pronunciation: [ z-OHL-uh ]

Girl Name #1,103 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Peace in Zulu, passion in French literature

Zulu African French Italian American

Earthy Bold Elegant Unique Literary

Meaning & Origin

"quiet, tranquil, peaceful"

Origin: Zulu/Bantu

Language: Zulu

"earth, soil"

Origin: Italian surname

Language: Italian

The Story of Zola

Zola has two compelling origins. In Zulu and other Bantu languages of southern Africa, Zola means quiet or peaceful. Separately, it is a surname of Italian origin — most famous through the French novelist Émile Zola (1840–1902), whose family came from Venice. The name has experienced a 21st-century revival as parents seek short, distinctive names with global appeal and cross-cultural resonance.

Zola began rising in the US around 2015, influenced by Beyoncé and Jay-Z naming their twins Rumi and Sir in 2017 (boosting unusual choices), and by the viral 2015 Twitter thread by a woman named Zola that became a 2021 film. It hit the US Top 500 around 2020.

In African cultures, particularly Zulu-speaking South Africa, Zola is a meaningful name for a child with a calm, peaceful temperament. In European literary tradition, Zola carries the weight of Émile Zola's naturalist novels and his famous open letter 'J'accuse' defending Alfred Dreyfus in 1898.

Fun Facts

In Zulu culture, Zola is given to children born during peaceful times
Émile Zola's 'J'accuse' letter is considered one of the most important political documents in French history
A 2015 viral Twitter thread about a woman named Zola became a critically acclaimed 2021 film

Zola in Other Languages

Zulu Zola (peaceful)

French Zola

Italian Zola

Spanish Zola

Portuguese Zola

Famous People Named Zola

Zola Jesus

Musician

1989

American singer-songwriter known for operatic voice and dark synth-pop music

Émile Zola

Writer

1840

French novelist and leader of the naturalist literary movement, famous for the Rougon-Macquart series and his letter J'a...

French novelist and leader of the naturalist literary movement, famous for the Rougon-Macquart series and his letter J'accuse

Zola Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the 2021 film Zola, based on a viral Twitter thread about a wild road trip

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,103
Total SSA Count: 221
Cultural Origins: Zulu African French Italian American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Zola Marie Zola Grace Zola Simone Zola Renee Zola Belle Zola Elise Zola Claire

Sibling Names

Nova Isla Milo Theo Cleo Arlo Juno

Also a Boy Name

Zola is also used as a boy name, ranked #33630.

View Zola as a boy name →

Similar Names

Clara Lula Dora Nora Flora Lulu Lottie Ora

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zola

What does the name Zola mean?

"quiet, tranquil, peaceful" (from Zulu/Bantu). "earth, soil" (from Italian surname). Zola has two compelling origins. In Zulu and other Bantu languages of southern Africa, Zola means quiet or peaceful. Separately, it is a surname of Italian origin — most famous through the French novelist Émile Zola (1840–1902), whose family came from Venice. The name has experienced a 21st-century revival as parents seek short, distinctive names with global appeal and cross-cultural resonance.

What is the origin of the name Zola?

Zola has Zulu/Bantu, Italian surname, Zulu, African, French, Italian, and American origins. In Zulu/Bantu, it means "quiet, tranquil, peaceful". In Italian surname, it means "earth, soil".

Is Zola a boy or girl name?

Zola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1103. As a boy name, it is ranked #33630. Zola is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Zola?

Zola is pronounced z-OHL-uh.

How popular is the name Zola?

Zola is currently ranked #1103 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Zola?

Common nicknames for Zola include Zo.

What are good middle names for Zola?

Popular middle name pairings include Zola Marie, Zola Grace, Zola Simone, Zola Renee, Zola Belle, Zola Elise, and Zola Claire.

What are good sibling names for Zola?

Names that pair well with Zola as siblings include Nova, Isla, Milo, Theo, Cleo, Arlo, and Juno.

How many syllables does Zola have?

Zola has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Zola a common or rare name?

Zola is an uncommon name, ranked #1103 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Zola

Zola is a girl name with Zulu, African, French, Italian, and American origins . The name means "quiet, tranquil, peaceful" in Zulu/Bantu .

Is Zola a boy or girl name? Zola is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,103 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,630. Zola is more commonly used as a girl name.

Zola is currently ranked #1,103 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Zola has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-OHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Zola include Zo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.