Zola

Zola is a name with African origins, specifically from the Xhosa language spoken in South Africa.

In the Xhosa language, the name Zola means 'to be peaceful' or 'to calm'. It is a unisex name, meaning it can be used for both boys and girls.

The name gained popularity in the Western world in the late 19th century, partly due to the fame of the French novelist Émile Zola, who was known for his literary realism and influential works like Nana and Germinal.

While the name Zola has African roots, it has a modern and gender-neutral appeal that has made it increasingly popular in various cultures around the world.