Zion

At a Glance

Meaning

Biblical name for Jerusalem's Temple Mount/city, extended to mean the people of Israel

Origin

Hebrew

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

ZY-unListen

Zion is a Hebrew name, pronounced ZY-un (/ˈzaɪən/), that in its biblical use refers to Jerusalem's Temple Mount and city, later extended to mean the people of Israel. It's a neutral name with a timeless, classic style. You may see it described as meaning 'highest point' or 'highest peak,' but that's not backed by the etymology — the sourced senses are 'the Temple Mount/Jerusalem' and 'the nation of Israel,' and scholars haven't settled on a definitive root for the word.

Meaning & Origin of Zion

Meaning: Biblical name for Jerusalem's Temple Mount/city, extended to mean the people of Israel.

Origin: Hebrew.

A common claim: Zion is commonly said to mean 'highest point' or 'highest peak.' Actually: Wiktionary attests Zion's senses as 'the Temple Mount/Jerusalem' and 'the nation of Israel'; the word's ultimate root is debated among scholars, not settled as 'highest point.'

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Zion

Popularity of Zion

In Social Security data, Zion hit its peak at #125 in 2023 with 2,883 babies given the name, then eased to #151 in 2024 with 2,359 — SSA has tracked the name since 1917.

Names Like Zion

These names share Zion’s style, era or origin.

• Asher
• Azariah
• Eden
• Elian
• Micah
• Abby

FAQ

What does the name Zion mean?

Biblical name for Jerusalem’s Temple Mount/city, extended to mean the people of Israel. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Zion?

Zion is pronounced ZY-un (IPA: /ˈzaɪən/).

Is Zion a popular name right now?

Zion peaked at #125 in 2023 and is ranked #151 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1917–2024.)

Make Zion Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Zion, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.