Zion
Meaning of Zion
Zion, pronounced ZY-ən, traces its roots to the Hebrew “tziyyon,” the poetic name for the hill in Jerusalem that crowns the city like a basilica on an Umbrian ridge; centuries of psalms and pilgrim footsteps have polished the word until it gleams with notions of refuge, faith, and lofty aspiration. In modern times the name has traveled farther than Marco Polo, carried by gospel hymns, reggae beats, and even the slam-dunk theatrics of basketball phenom Zion Williamson, each echo adding fresh melody to its ancient cadence. American parents, evidently charmed by this mix of spiritual altitude and sporting swagger, have lifted Zion steadily up the popularity charts—from a humble rank in the 700s during the early 1990s to a handsome 147 in 2024—much like a gondola climbing toward an Alpine vista. Short, strong, and radiating a quiet confidence, Zion serves up the crisp snap of a well-pulled espresso: easy to say, impossible to forget, and leaving just a hint of sweetness on the tongue.
Pronunciation
American English
- Pronunced as ZY-ən (/ˈzaɪən/)
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Notable People Named Zion
| Zion Williamson is an American power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, a former Duke standout drafted first in 2019 who made the All Rookie Team in 2020 and became one of the youngest All Stars in 2021. |
| Zion Lights is a British author and activist recognized for environmental advocacy and science communication. |
| Zion Wright is an American skateboarder with a regular stance who joined the USA Skateboarding Team in 2019 and became a rising star of his generation. |
| Zion Tupuola-Fetui is an American professional football defensive lineman who played college linebacker for the Washington Huskies. |
| Nigerian forward Zion Long plays for Sporting Kansas City II in the USL Championship after rising through the Sporting Kansas City academy. |
| Zion Cohen is an Israeli soccer striker who most recently played for Maccabi Tel Aviv. |
