We would never have guessed the name Zelah is biblical name, would you?! This name feels very up and coming as it reminds us of some of the other modern Z names we’ve heard recently. (We even used one for our daughter, Zara.)

Zelah

Original Language + Form: Hebrew צֵלָע

Range of Meanings: Side

Concept: 

References or Context: Zelah, the location, is used twice in the Bible. First, it is one of the fourteen cities of the tribe of Benjamin and later the location where King Saul was buried. Zelah or Zela are the two common spellings of this place name. However, “tsela” is the common spelling of the Hebrew noun “side” which is used 41 times! We see it all the way from Genesis 2, where is speaks of God taking from Adam’s “side” to create Eve, and then speaking about the “side” of the temple and ark in Exodus & Ezekiel.

If you love Zelah and are looking for other place names in the Bible, don’t forget to check out Biblical Places as Baby Names!