Unisex name · Hebrew
Zion
“citadel; the hill of Jerusalem”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Zion.
Explore Zion further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Zion — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Zion is Tsiyyon, originally the fortified hill the Jebusites held and David took — a specific piece of ground that expanded to mean Jerusalem, then Israel, then the whole idea of a promised home.
It entered English given names through Rastafari and Black church traditions rather than through Jewish naming, where it is rare, and Lauryn Hill's 1998 song for her son moved it into general use. Zion Williamson has kept it there.
Two syllables, said ZY-un. Short and vowel-heavy, so it carries a longer middle comfortably (Zion Amari, Zion Gabriel). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist.
More Hebrew names
Zion sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Zion — common questions
Is Zion a boy or girl name?
Zion is a unisex name — it is given to boys and girls alike, and we list it that way (Hebrew origin).
What does the name Zion mean?
Zion means “citadel; the hill of Jerusalem” of Hebrew origin. Zion is Tsiyyon, originally the fortified hill the Jebusites held and David took — a specific piece of ground that expanded to mean Jerusalem, then Israel, then the whole idea of a promised home.
Where does the name Zion come from?
Zion is Hebrew in origin. It entered English given names through Rastafari and Black church traditions rather than through Jewish naming, where it is rare, and Lauryn Hill's 1998 song for her son moved it into general use. Zion Williamson has kept it there.
What are common nicknames for Zion?
Zi — the short-forms parents most often use for Zion.
How popular is Zion?
Zion did not make the top 1,000 boys' or girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Zion you might want for the nursery.