Zendaya
Zendaya is a girl name of Shona origin meaning “To give thanks”, pronounced zen-DAY-ah. It ranked #1189 in the United States in 2025, given to 195 babies, and peaked at #680 in 2022. Common nicknames: Zen, Daya, Z.
How popular is Zendaya in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Zendaya mean, and where does it come from?
Zendaya comes from the Shona of Zimbabwe — Tendai, "to give thanks," adapted by the actress's father, who was of African American and German descent, with a Z at the front. Its history as a name is almost entirely one person's: Zendaya Coleman first appeared on the Disney Channel in 2010, and American birth records show the first Zendayas in 2011. The name entered the top thousand in 2014 and peaked in 2022, the year of her second Emmy.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Zendaya
- Zendaya — American actress and singer, the youngest winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
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Sibling Name Ideas for Zendaya
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Zendaya mean?
Zendaya is a girl name of Shona origin meaning "To give thanks." Zendaya comes from the Shona of Zimbabwe — Tendai, "to give thanks," adapted by the actress's father, who was of African American and German descent, with a Z at the front. Its history as a name is almost entirely one person's: Zendaya Coleman first appeared on the Disney Channel in 2010, and American birth records show the first Zendayas in 2011.
How do you pronounce Zendaya?
Zendaya is pronounced zen-DAY-ah. Common variations include Zendaia, Zendayah.
Is Zendaya a girl name?
Yes, Zendaya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Zen, Daya, Z.