At a glance
- In short
- Ze is a unique and impactful name for boys with multiple cultural associations, including Chinese and Greek origins.
- U.S. rank 2025
- Not in the 2025 data · last seen 2023 (#12,239)
- Babies in 2023
- 5 (<0.01% of boys)
- Peak
- #7,874 in 1999
- First recorded
- 1999
Meaning of Ze
Ze is a unique and distinctive name for boys. It has a simple yet impactful sound, pronounced as "zee" (/zi/). The origin of the name Ze is uncertain, but it is believed to have multiple cultural associations. In Chinese culture, Ze means "virtuous" or "wise." In Greek mythology, Ze was an alternative name for Zeus, the king of the gods. Despite its rarity, Ze has gained some popularity in recent years in the United States. In 2021, there were 5 occurrences of the name Ze for newborn boys in America. The name's ranking has varied over time, but it consistently remains an intriguing choice for parents seeking an unconventional and meaningful name for their child.
How to pronounce Ze
- Pronounced zee /zi/
Popularity of Ze in the U.S.
Ze was last recorded in the U.S. in 2023, ranked #12,239 with 5 babies. It peaked at #7,874 in 1999. It first appears in the records in 1999.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1999–2023 7 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 12,239 | back (not recorded in 2022) |
| 2021 | 5 | 12,146 | back (not recorded in 2018–2020) |
| 2017 | 7 | 9,696 | back (not recorded in 2013–2016) |
| 2012 | 5 | 12,274 | back (not recorded in 2009–2011) |
| 2008 | 5 | 12,553 | back (not recorded in 2007) |
| 2006 | 5 | 12,055 | back (not recorded in 2000–2005) |
| 1999 | 7 | 7,874 | new |
Notable people named Ze
- Ze Roberto is a former Brazilian footballer known for his time at Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen and over 1,050 career appearances.
- Ze Maria, born Jose Marcelo Ferreira, is a retired Brazilian footballer turned coach.
- Ze Eduardo, also known as Ze Love, is a Brazilian footballer who last played for Iguatu.
- Ze Manuel is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Merelinense.
- Ze Felipe is a Brazilian singer and songwriter.
More people named Ze 10 more
- Jose Roberto Fernandes Barbosa, known as Ze Roberto da Compensa, is a Brazilian drug trafficker and cofounder of the Familia do Norte criminal faction.
- Ze Mario is a Brazilian football manager and former player who coached Al-Arabi in Qatar.
- DJ Zegon, born Ze Gonzales, is a Brazilian DJ and producer known for electronic music and hip-hop.
- Ze Cabra is a Portuguese comedy singer and former painter who lives in France.
- Ze Luis, born Jose Luis Boscolo, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward.
- Jose da Silva Varela, known as Ze, is a striker for Sporting Praia Cruz and the Sao Tome and Principe national team.
- Ze Vitor is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Uniao Frederiquense.
- Ze Carlos is a Brazilian former football forward who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics.
- Ze Ivaldo is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a centre-back for Remo on loan from Santos.
- Ze Luis is a Brazilian former footballer who played as a defensive midfielder.