Zeriah
Primarily a girl's name of Hebrew origin with 316 recorded births. Also given to 5 boys.
Meaning & Origin
When Zeriah hit its peak of 22 births in 2012, social media, global pop culture, and a growing appetite for unique names were reshaping how American parents chose names.
Zeriah has carried that momentum forward and remains a live choice today.
In the most recent SSA release, Zeriah ranks #8403 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Zeriah is a girl's and boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant of Zeruiah, from the Hebrew meaning 'balsam, fragrant resin.' In the Hebrew Bible, Zeruiah was the sister of King David and mother of his three great military commanders — Joab, Abishai, and Asahel — making her one of the Old Testament's most powerful maternal figures.
Zeriah modernizes the ancient Zeruiah while maintaining its Hebrew scriptural roots. With 316 recorded births, it has genuine presence in observant Jewish communities and evangelical Christian families who draw naming inspiration from the Hebrew Bible, particularly those who appreciate the powerful maternal lineage the name invokes.
EtymologyShow more
Zeriah is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Hebrew naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Zeriah creates its characteristic strong, devotional quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Zeriah climbed 4352 spots in the last 20 years — from #12755 to #8403.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 58 | #9671 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 172 | #7279 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 86 | #11817 | — |
The Story of Zeriah
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2012, Zeriah is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Zeriah are most likely born between 2002 and 2022.
How rare is Zeriah?
Only about 1 in every 276,923 babies born in 2024 was named Zeriah — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2002, peaked in the 2010s with 172 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Zeriah by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(23 years, 2002–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | #8403 |
| 2023 | 10 | #10284 |
| 2022 | 16 | #7277 |
| 2021 | 12 | #8962 |
| 2020 | 7 | #13429 |
| 2019 | 20 | #6173 |
| 2018 | 14 | #8141 |
| 2017 | 15 | #7832 |
| 2016 | 16 | #7597 |
| 2015 | 15 | #8004 |
| 2014 | 18 | #6983 |
| 2013 | 18 | #7026 |
| 2012 | 22 | #6106 |
| 2011 | 17 | #7427 |
| 2010 | 17 | #7505 |
| 2009 | 18 | #7337 |
| 2008 | 5 | #20453 |
| 2007 | 12 | #10125 |
| 2006 | 18 | #7138 |
| 2005 | 9 | #11825 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Zeriah as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Zeriah has also been given to 5 boys in the U.S. since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zeriah a boy's or girl's name?
When was Zeriah most popular?
How popular is the name Zeriah?
Can Zeriah be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2002–2024