By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Hebrew
"righteous"
A rarely heard biblical name, Zadok is borne by no less than nine Old Testament men. The most famous was a priest who lived during the reign of King David, whom he helped and supported, and was…
"exaltation or little dwelling"
An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb. Pike's Peak was named for Zebulon Pike, the best known bearer of the name. In…
English variation of Hebrew Zebediah
"gift of God"
Zebedee is an adorable and unusual New Testament name--which may sound like but is not a contradiction in terms. Unlike some of the longer biblical Z -names, Zebedee has a more lighthearted…
"gift of Jehovah"
Biblical names are expanding (literally) as some parents move from Isaiah and Elijah to more elaborate choices with simple short forms, like Jedidiah and Zebediah. Zebediah, or Zebadiah, is the New…
"gazelle, roebuck"
Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive…
Zaha is a distinctive feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It has Arabic origins where it can mean 'brilliant' or 'shining,' carrying connotations of brightness and radiance. The name…
German, diminutive of names beginning Sig/Zig
"victory"
Fitting in with Scottie, Stevie, Frankie, and Birdie, Ziggy is a nickname-y choice that feels energetic, cutesy, and cool. Borrowing star quality from Ziggy Stardust and Ziggy Marley, Ziggy is…
English and Italian from Arabic and Sanskrit
"void"
Zero has been documented as a given name before, but it's largely familiar as a stage name (such as Zero Mostel, born Samuel Joel Mostel) and comic book and anime characters. Nevertheless, fourteen…
"light, brilliance"
Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form. Has a futuristic macho feel.
Greek
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
Berber, Tamazight
"moonlight"
Attractive but uncommon name which has been used as a character name in several movies, including The Lion King II and Planet of the Apes . Ziri and Tiziri are variants.
Arabic
"fair, brilliant beauty"
Zuleika is a high-wire act of a name that might appeal to the intrepid baby namer, Like most 'Z'-starting girls' names, it projects a cool, strong aura, as exemplified by the character in Max…
German, diminutive of Anselma
"God helmet"
Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking…
Italian or Persian; Greek
"little girl; seeker"
A thirteenth-century Tuscan saint, patron of homemakers, Zita is the kind of name that sounded really creative in an earlier era.
Diminutive of Zebediah or Zebulon, Hebrew
"gift of God, exaltation, or little dwelling"
Short and to-the-point, it turns an ancient biblical name into a friendly cowboy.
German word name from Slavic
"zeppelin; flail"
Zeppelin is a fast-rising Z name for both sexes — a cool choice that evokes aviation and classic rock. Nick Cannon used it as the middle name for his 11th child, daughter Beautiful Zeppelin.
"to arise, dawn"
This name is masculine in the Old Testament, as Zerah, a son of Judah and the twin of Perez. Now it is also been used for girls, perhaps inspired by its similarity to Sara and Zara.
Arabic, Hebrew
"splendour, light, glow; shaking, trembling"
A succinct variation of Ziya, Zia is an Arabic boy name, with a glowing meaning, also used as the Urdu and Bengali transcription. Notable bearers of the name include Bangaledeshi politician Ziaur…
Persian
"golden"
Alternative form of Zarin and Zari.
South Slavic
"gold"
Derived from Slavic zlato "gold", this strong and dynamic name has a fitting namesake in Swedish professional footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović. It is used in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,…
