Zane is a name of English origin, derived from the name John, which means "God is gracious." The name Zane has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in North America, where it has become a unisex name.
The name Zane first appeared in literature in the late 19th century, in Rudyard Kipling's novel "The Jungle Book." In the story, Zane is the surname of one of the characters, Mowgli's friend and protector, Akela. Since then, the name has been used as a given name in its own right.
In addition to its literary origins, the name Zane has also been used by various celebrities, further contributing to its popularity. For example, actor Zane Holtz is known for his role in the television series "Shadowhunters," while musician Zane Carney is a member of the band John Mayer Trio.
Overall, Zane is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history that has contributed to its growing popularity as a unisex given name. Its meaning, "God is gracious," adds to its appeal as a name that conveys positivity and goodness.
Here are some observations about the name Zane based on these annual birth statistics:
- The name Zane was quite uncommon at first, with fewer than 28 births recorded per year between 1914 and 1977.
- However, it began to gain popularity in the late 1970s. From 1978 onwards, there were consistently over 100 births of Zane each year.
- The name reached its peak popularity in the mid-to-late 2010s, with over 1500 births recorded annually between 2013 and 2018.
- There was a notable dip in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 to 2022, with fewer than 1400 births each year.