Zen Unisex
Origin(s)
Pronunciationzen / /zɛn/Japanese; Sanskrit
Meaning
Japanese: 'meditative'; Sanskrit: 'peaceful'
Historical & Cultural Background
In Japanese culture, Zen refers to a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation. The term has been adopted in various contexts to signify tranquility and mindfulness. In Sanskrit, the roots of the name connect to concepts of peace and calmness. The name has gained popularity in Western cultures as a symbol of serenity.
Trend Summary
The name Zen has seen a gradual increase in popularity in recent years in the United States.
Similar Names
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International Variants
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Famous people named Zen
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Zen was first seen in the United States in 1969. Zen has ranked as high as #1138 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Zen has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Zen (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 34 | |
| NY | 20 | |
| TX | 19 | |
| PA | 16 | |
| FL | 14 | |
| GA | 14 | |
| NC | 13 | |
| WA | 7 | |
| VA | 7 | |
| IL | 6 | |
| AZ | 6 | |
| HI | 5 | |
| WI | 5 | |
| MA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1969 | 5 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 10 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 10 |
| 1995 | 15 |
| 1996 | 17 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 32 |
| 1999 | 31 |
| 2000 | 32 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 36 |
| 2003 | 38 |
| 2004 | 51 |
| 2005 | 50 |
| 2006 | 51 |
| 2007 | 52 |
| 2008 | 74 |
| 2009 | 70 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 56 |
| 2013 | 63 |
| 2014 | 88 |
| 2015 | 75 |
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 92 |
| 2018 | 112 |
| 2019 | 128 |
| 2020 | 160 |
| 2021 | 164 |
| 2022 | 255 |
| 2023 | 242 |
| 2024 | 236 |