What Does the Name Zebulon Mean?
Zebulon (Hebrew Zevulun) is generally translated as "dwelling" or "habitation," with some sources adding a secondary sense of "honor" or "exalted."
The Origin & History of Zebulon
In the Book of Genesis, Zebulon is the sixth son of Jacob and Leah, and the tribe descended from him settled a territory near the Sea of Galilee associated with maritime trade and agriculture. The name re-entered wider English use through Puritan Old Testament naming traditions in America.
Cultural Reach
Zebulon has a distinctly American frontier-era flavor thanks to its most famous bearer, Zebulon Montgomery Pike, and it survives today as a place name (Zebulon, North Carolina and Georgia) as well as a given name.
Notable Namesakes
Zebulon Pike (1779-1813) was a US Army officer and explorer who led the 1806-1807 expedition that sighted the Colorado peak now named Pikes Peak in his honor; he was later killed in action during the War of 1812.
Personality & Associations
With its Old Testament roots and frontier-explorer namesake, Zebulon reads as sturdy and historically grounded -- a name with real American and biblical depth rather than a modern invention.
Popularity as a Given Name
Zebulon is rising -- 24 boys were recorded in 2024, up from 19 in 2023, a 26% increase.
Nicknames & Variants
Zeb and Zebby are the standard short forms used in English.