From the field or meadow
Zelaya is a Basque surname-turned-given name derived from the word 'zelai', meaning a field or a meadow. It is often associated with the lush, open landscapes of the Basque Country in Spain and France. While primarily used as a surname in Spanish-speaking regions, it has emerged as a rare and rhythmic choice for a first name in the United States.
Less common today
Zelaya isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,081 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
Former President of Honduras