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Zane Boy

Popularity: #289 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationZayn / zeɪn

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: God is gracious; English: variant of John

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Zane is believed to have its roots in the Hebrew name "Yohanan," which translates to "God is gracious." This name was adapted into Greek as "Ioannis" and later into Latin as "Iohannes," from which the English name "John" is derived. The transition to Zane likely occurred through the influence of the Italian form "Giovanni," which was anglicized in various ways. The name Zane emerged in English-speaking contexts during the 19th century, particularly in the United States, as a variant of John, reflecting a trend of adopting more distinctive forms of traditional names.

Historically, the name John has been borne by numerous significant figures, including John the Baptist and John the Apostle, both prominent in Christian texts. The name's enduring presence in religious contexts is underscored by its frequent appearance in biblical translations, such as the King James Bible published in 1611. The name Zane, while less common than its predecessors, has been associated with literary figures, notably the American author Zane Grey, who gained fame in the early 20th century for his works on the American West, further embedding the name in cultural narratives.

Culturally, Zane carries connotations of grace and favor, echoing its Hebrew origins. The name's simplicity and strong phonetic structure contribute to its appeal, allowing it to resonate across different cultures and eras. While Zane does not have a widely recognized diminutive, its straightforward nature lends itself to informal variations. Overall, Zane reflects a blend of historical significance and cultural adaptability, rooted in a rich linguistic heritage.

Trend Summary

Zane has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Zain
  • Zayne

International Variants

  • Zane (English)
  • Zayn (Arabic)

Famous people named Zane

Zane Grey is an author best known for Riders of the Purple Sage, The Last of the Plainsmen, and The Call of the Canyon.

Zane Lowe is a music producer and radio DJ best known for his work on BBC Radio 1 and Apple Music.

Zane Smith is a professional baseball player best known for playing as a pitcher in Major League Baseball.

Fictional characters named Zane

Zane is a fictional character from the video game series Zane's World. He is a skilled fighter and a central figure in the game's narrative, often leading the charge against various threats.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Zane was first seen in the United States in 1914. Zane has ranked as high as #326 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Zane has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Zane (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 123
12%
CA 113
11%
FL 80
8%
NY 53
5%
OH 44
4%
PA 42
4%
VA 41
4%
GA 41
4%
NC 36
3%
WA 32
3%
MI 30
3%
AZ 24
2%
IL 23
2%
KY 23
2%
UT 22
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19146
191512
19169
19177
191813
191928
192039
192157
192274
192378
192487
192575
1926111
192775
192879
192959
193075
193172
193281
193382
193476
193580
193664
193749
193862
193961
194068
194152
194261
194363
194447
194550
194657
194767
194892
194970
195069
195174
195275
1953101
1954105
1955109
1956125
1957167
1958146
1959153
1960119
1961161
1962148
1963143
1964116
1965102
196695
1967109
1968122
1969115
1970145
1971130
1972141
1973129
1974135
1975126
1976138
1977134
1978169
1979184
1980193
1981208
1982233
1983208
1984240
1985332
1986374
1987325
1988377
1989421
1990510
1991499
1992622
1993691
1994778
1995774
1996919
19971,040
19981,074
19991,241
20001,368
20011,331
20021,558
20031,590
20041,455
20051,435
20061,411
20071,599
20081,574
20091,523
20101,463
20111,609
20121,595
20131,746
20141,698
20151,670
20161,874
20171,960
20182,031
20191,599
20201,360
20211,488
20221,344
20231,223
20241,105