The name Zelie is a charming and unique choice for a baby girl, with origins rooted in French culture. Pronounced as zeh-LEE in French and ZEL-ee in English, this melodious name carries an elegant simplicity that appeals to many. Zelie is often considered a diminutive of the name Azélie, which has ties to Saint Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin, the mother of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, adding a layer of spiritual significance for those who value religious heritage. The name also has variations such as Zelia, offering flexibility for parents who seek a slightly different twist. In recent years, Zelie has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States, moving from just 5 occurrences in 2007 to 115 in 2023. This upward trend reflects its growing appeal among parents looking for a distinctive yet timeless name for their daughters.
Zelie Passavant Emerson was an American suffragette who co-founded the Workers' Dreadnought newspaper with Sylvia Pankhurst and was injured in a suffrage riot in 1913. |
Zélie de Lussan was a successful American opera singer of French descent known for her wide vocal range and her iconic performance as Carmen in Bizet's opera. |