Zeke Name Meaning

Zeke is a short and punchy name that has been growing in popularity in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people associated with the name Zeke.

Zeke is a nickname for the name Ezekiel, which comes from the Hebrew name Yechezqel. The name means “God will strengthen” or “God strengthens.” It has biblical roots, as Ezekiel was a prophet in the Old Testament.

Popularity

The popularity of the name Zeke has been on the rise in recent years. In 2021, Zeke ranked at #573 on the Social Security Administration’s list of most popular baby names in the United States. This marks a steady increase in popularity since the early 2000s, when the name was rarely used.

History

The name Ezekiel has been used since biblical times, but the shortened version Zeke did not become popular until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a common nickname for boys named Ezekiel or Isaac in the United States.

Zeke gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, but its usage declined in the 1940s and 1950s. The name experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and has been growing in popularity ever since.

Cultural Significance

The name Zeke has been used in popular culture in various forms. One of the most famous Zekes is Zeke Braverman, a character from the television series “Parenthood.” Zeke Braverman is the patriarch of the Braverman family and is portrayed as a tough but loving father and grandfather.

In music, Zeke is the name of a punk rock band from Seattle that was formed in the mid-1990s. The band has released several albums and is known for their energetic live performances.

Famous People Named Zeke

There have been several notable people throughout history named Zeke, including:

Zeke Bonura: American baseball player who played for the Chicago White Sox and Washington Senators in the 1930s and 1940s.
Zeke Bratkowski: American football player who played for the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers in the 1950s and 1960s.
Zeke Mowatt: American football player who played for the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks in the 1980s and 1990s.
Zeke Tenhoff: American reality television personality who appeared on the Discovery Channel series “Bering Sea Gold.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Zeke is a nickname for the name Ezekiel, which means “God will strengthen” or “God strengthens.” The name has biblical roots and has been used since biblical times. Zeke has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and has been used in popular culture in various forms. There have been several notable people throughout history named Zeke, including baseball players, football players, and reality television personalities. Whether you’re drawn to the name for its biblical significance or its modern appeal, Zeke is a name that is sure to make an impression.