Updated October 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
Greek
"life of Zeus"
Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.
Spanish derivation of Greek
"life"
A male take on the feminine name Zoe, it's hard to give an attractive pronunciation.
Modern invented name
Two Zells of note: conservative southern senator Zell Miller, and video-game character Zell, a hero of "Final Fantasy."
Hebrew
"to arise; dawn"
The Biblical Zerah is etymologically related to such names as Zora, which also means dawn. While the vowel sound at the end of the name does not sound as feminine to our modern ear as it once did,…
Variant of Zoltan
"Sultan; ruler"
Zolten is a variant spelling of Zoltan, which is currently in the Top 50 in Hungary, its country of origin. We recommend you stick with the original spelling, which remains extremely rare.
Cornish place and saint's name
This Cornish place name is possibly named after a female saint, Senara. However, it can work just as well on a boy and would make a very interesting choice for those of Cornish descent or who love…
American place-name and Arabic
"peace"
Zuma was entered in the American name lexicon when musicians Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale chose it for their son. Californians will recognize Zuma as the name of a beautiful beach in Malibu, and…
Russian
This Russian name was created by Communist parents looking to reject traditional names (it is believed to derive from the French surname Jaures). One notable bearer is Nobel prize winner and…
Romani
"son / sonny"
This Romani name may derive from the Yiddish name Zindel, which is itself a name derived from Alexander.
On the other hand, Zarren is an improvement on Darren.
We can't believe we're saying this, but we'd even prefer Arnie or Barney.
Animal name
More commonly known as the Mongolian Gazelle, the Zeren is an antelope that lives on the steppes of central Asia. Zeren is a highly unusual but user-friendly animal name that works for both girls and…
Fictional invented name
Name invented for a spirit fox character on the Disney Channel TV show Sofia the First .
"sea-strength"
Appealing sound and meaning, but there is that discount-store association.
Zee-ifying Bailey.
Gem name from Greek
"gold-hued"
Although Zircon means "gold-hued," the gem comes in a variety of colors.
Parents with a penchant for inventing names seem especially enamored of the letter Z, maybe for its counterculture feel and its extra zip.
Swahili place name from Persian
"black coast"
Zanzibar is an island region off the coast of Tanzania. It's never been recorded as a baby name, but for those with a connection to Zanzibar, it's an intriguing and unique option chock full of zesty…