Solemn, religious, or a diminutive of names ending in -selle.
Zellie is primarily a diminutive of Marcella, meaning 'warlike,' or Selig, meaning 'blessed' or 'happy.' It has also historically been used as a pet name for names like Giselle or Hazel. In recent years, it has gained attention as a standalone name with a vintage, spirited feel.
Less common today
Zellie isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #8,426 in 2020.
Saint Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin, mother of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
A character in the novel 'The Color Purple' · The Color Purple
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).