Zeynep Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ZAY-nep /ˈzeɪ.nɛp/
Origin: Turkish
Meaning: precious gem; jewel
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Zeynep has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "Zaynab" (زينب), which is believed to mean "father's precious jewel" or "fragrant flower." The name has been historically significant in Islamic culture, as it is associated with Zaynab bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and his first wife, Khadijah. This connection has contributed to the name's prominence in Muslim communities.
The name Zeynep entered Turkish usage during the Ottoman Empire, where it became a popular choice for girls, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of Arabic on Turkish naming conventions. Throughout history, Zeynep has been borne by various notable figures, including Zeynep Sultan, an Ottoman princess in the 16th century, who was a daughter of Sultan Ahmed I.
The name has also appeared in various literary and artistic works, reinforcing its cultural resonance. In the 20th century, Zeynep continued to be a favored name in Turkey and among Turkish-speaking populations, often symbolizing beauty and grace.
Culturally, Zeynep is often associated with virtues such as kindness and compassion, reflecting the qualities attributed to the historical figures who bore the name. The name has various diminutive forms, such as "Zeynepçik," which convey affection and endearment.
Overall, Zeynep's enduring presence in various cultures highlights its deep-rooted significance and the values it embodies.
Famous people named Zeynep
In this section, you will find notable people named Zeynep. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Zeynep who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Zeynep who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Zeynep Tufekci is a sociologist and author best known for Twitter and Tear Gas, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, and her TED talks.
Zeynep Bastik is a singer and songwriter best known for her hit songs in the Turkish pop music scene.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Zeynep, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Zeynep. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Zeynep was first seen in the United States in 1981.
Zeynep has ranked as high as #2860 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in New York, Texas, California, New Jersey, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Zeynep has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Zeynep is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Zeynep was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Zeynep.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 90 | 90 |
| 2024 | 108 | 108 |
| 2023 | 130 | 130 |
| 2022 | 138 | 138 |
| 2021 | 84 | 84 |
| 2020 | 113 | 113 |
| 2019 | 49 | 49 |
| 2018 | 48 | 48 |
| 2017 | 59 | 59 |
| 2016 | 48 | 48 |
| 2015 | 48 | 48 |
| 2014 | 44 | 44 |
| 2013 | 42 | 42 |
| 2012 | 43 | 43 |
| 2011 | 49 | 49 |
| 2010 | 30 | 30 |
| 2009 | 27 | 27 |
| 2008 | 40 | 40 |
| 2007 | 33 | 33 |
| 2006 | 21 | 21 |
| 2005 | 17 | 17 |
| 2004 | 22 | 22 |
| 2003 | 20 | 20 |
| 2002 | 21 | 21 |
| 2001 | 18 | 18 |
| 2000 | 13 | 13 |
| 1999 | 13 | 13 |
| 1998 | 14 | 14 |
| 1997 | 10 | 10 |
| 1996 | 5 | 5 |
| 1995 | 8 | 8 |
| 1994 | 8 | 8 |
| 1992 | 8 | 8 |
| 1991 | 5 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 | 5 |
| 1989 | 6 | 6 |
| 1984 | 6 | 6 |
| 1982 | 6 | 6 |
| 1981 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Zeynep (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 20 | |
| TX | 17 | |
| NY | 13 | |
| NJ | 8 | |
| FL | 7 |