Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Zion

The Hebrew ציון translates to Zion (Tzion). This word is first found in the Bible in 2 Samuel 5:7 “Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David.” The city of David is the oldest settled neighborhood of Jerusalem and a major archeological site. Zion has come to represent the Promised Land, Jerusalem, where God dwells among His promised people. “Zionism” refers to the re-establishment, development and protection of the state of Israel, a national home for the Jewish people. American black slaves adopted the idea of Zionism after the Civil War – a longing of displaced people for a safe homeland, either physically or spiritually. In the Jamaican Rastafarian movement, "Zion" began to represent this notion of Utopia, a place of peace, togetherness and freedom (which for them was in Ethiopia). It is for this reason that many Rasta Reggae songs include references to Zion. While the word Zion is well over two-thousand years old, the use of it as a given name was quite rare until this century. It is used for both males and females, but it is more commonly bestowed upon little boys.

All About the Baby Name – Zion

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ZION

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ZION

The name Zion first appeared on the American popularity charts as a male name in 1998. Not coincidentally, the popular musician Lauryn Hill (along with her husband, Bob Marley’s son Rohan Marley) named their first child Zion David-Nesta Marley, born in August 1997. Essentially, this famous celebrity couple put the name Zion on the map almost in an instant. As a male name, Zion hovers around pretty moderate levels of success. The name hit the charts for girls in 2005, although it is nowhere near as popular for the female gender as it is for males. The name is unique and off-beat thanks in part to the uncommon letter Z. It is not an overused name so it still retains much originality. Plus, the heavy meanings associated with this name give it dimension and depth. What more could you want for your child but this notion of “utopia”?

Quick Facts

ON ZION

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

820

PRONUNCIATION:

ZYE-әn

SIMPLE MEANING:

The Promised Land, utopia

Characteristics

OF ZION

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Zion

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ZION

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Zion

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ZION

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Zion


Popular Songs

ON ZION

Zion Train
a song by Bob Marley

To Zion
a song by Lauryn Hill (featuring Carlos Santana)

Road to Zion
a song by Damian Marley

Oh Zion
a song by Fred Hammond

Marching to Zion
a song by Amy Grant

Late Night in Zion
a song by Matisyahu

Iron Lion Zion
a song by Bob Marley

Famous People

NAMED ZION

Zion Cohen (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Golan (Israeli singer)
Zion Levy (Israeli rabbi in Panama)
Zion Merili (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Zemah (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Cohen (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Golan (Israeli singer)
Zion Levy (Israeli rabbi in Panama)
Zion Merili (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Zemah (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Cohen (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Golan (Israeli singer)
Zion Levy (Israeli rabbi in Panama)
Zion Merili (Israeli soccer player)
Zion Zemah (Israeli soccer player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ZION

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Zion

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ZION

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Zion