Zélye

Zélye is a rare French name, likely a diminutive or variant of names like Zélie or Azélie. Zélie itself is thought to be a short form of Azélie, which comes from the Latin 'Azalia' or 'Azalea', referring to the flower, or from 'Azelia' meaning 'dry earth'. Another theory connects Zélie to the French word 'zèle' meaning 'zeal' or 'ardor', or to the Greek 'zelos' (ζήλος) with a similar meaning. However, the most common etymological link for Zélie and its variants is to the Latin 'Sollemnia', meaning 'religious celebration' or 'solemn'.

The name gained some recognition through Saint Zélie Martin (born Marie-Azélie Guérin), the mother of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who was canonized in 2015. This association has contributed to a slight resurgence or interest in the name and its variants, including Zélye, particularly in Catholic communities. The 'y' in Zélye adds a unique, somewhat modern or stylized touch to the more traditional Zélie.