Zola (/ˈzoʊlə/,[1] French pronunciation: [zɔ.la]) is both a surname and a given name. In Italy, Zola is a common last name. In South Africa, Zola is a Xhosa language name and means "be calm" or "be quiet." A common feminine variation for the name is Nokuzola. The name enjoys widespread popularity in South Africa and is also used in other African nations. Furthermore, Zola is a commonly used name in numerous countries across the globe, including the United States.This name was ranked #990 on the US Popular Names in 2021.[2]