The curious baby name Zimbalist has appeared in the U.S. baby name data just twice:
- 1973: unlisted
- 1972: 5 baby boys named Zimbalist
- 1971: unlisted
- […]
- 1962: unlisted
- 1961: 8 baby boys named Zimbalist [debut]
- 1960: unlisted
Where did it come from?
Actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., who starred in the popular TV shows 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964) and The F.B.I. (1965-1974).
The movie By Love Possessed (1961), which featured Zimbalist along with actress Lana Turner, may be what caused that initial 1961 debut. (By Love Possessed, incidentally, was the first movie shown regularly aboard airplanes. The carrier was TWA, and they began screening movies in-flight for first-class passengers in mid-1961.)
His first name, Efrem, saw increased usage as soon as 77 Sunset Strip started airing:
- 1962: 55 baby boys named Efrem
- 1961: 83 baby boys named Efrem
- 1960: 56 baby boys named Efrem
- 1959: 85 baby boys named Efrem
- 1958: 8 baby boys named Efrem
- 1957: unlisted
Efrem is a Russian version of the Hebrew name Ephraim, which means “fruitful,” while Zimbalist is a Jewish surname that originally referred to someone who played a tsimbl, a musical instrument in the dulcimer family.
Which do you like better as a first name, Efrem or Zimbalist?
P.S. Speaking of names associated with 77 Sunset Strip, here’s Kookie…
Sources:
Image: Screenshot of 77 Sunset Strip