Zélie is a French short form of Azélie, a name with deep historical roots. It is most notably associated with Saint Marie-Azélie Guérin (1831–1877), the mother of Thérèse of Lisieux, who herself was canonized as a saint. Zélie herself is venerated for her piety and devotion, having been beatified by the Catholic Church.
Etymology
Zélie ultimately traces its origins to the Occitan name Azalaïs, which is a regional form of Adelais. Adelais was a common medieval name derived from Adalheidis, an ancient Germanic composite from the elements adal (noble) and heid (kind, sort). This same source gave rise to numerous modern forms, including Ada, Adela, Adele, Adelaide, Alice, Alicia, and Alison. The Occitan form Azalaïs became Azéle or Azélie in French, and Zélie emerged as a diminutive. The anglicized spellings of Zélie also include Zelie and Zellie. The name, which was most common in Normandy and the Breton border context, carries the meaning of nobility and kindness. Some scholars have suggested a secondary origin: a connection to the French names Solange and Solenne, meaning "solemn," via the short form Zéline.
Notable Bearers
The most famous Zélie is Marie-Azélie Guérin, also known as Zélie Martin. Born in 1831 in Alençon, France, she was a devout Catholic who, along with her husband Louis Martin, had nine children—including Thérèse of Lisieux, later canonized as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Zélie herself has been recognized as a Venerable by the Church. The name has also gained some popularity in contemporary use, not only in its original French form but also in a variety of spellings and phonetic or rhyming coinages such as Zaylee.
Cultural Significance
Because of its association with Zélie Martin and her saintly daughter, the name carries strong religious and spiritual significance in the Catholic tradition, often perceived as a sweet, gentle name with a touch of Gallic charm.
Sources: Wikipedia — Zélie (given name)