Cool Baby Names That Start with Z
- Zuzu
Origin:
Czech diminutive of SusanMeaning:
"lily"Description:
This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like Gigi and Bibi.
- Zibby
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethDescription:
Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts." Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.
- Zahara
Origin:
Hebrew; SwahiliMeaning:
"to shine; flower"Description:
Zahara, a delicate but strong multicultural name, came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie bestowed it on her Ethiopian-born daughter, and we predict other parents will adopt it as well. If you want something simpler than Zahara, consider Zara, a royal name in England--but also the name of a Spanish-based clothing store chain.
- Zebediah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gift of Jehovah"Description:
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.
- Zahra
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"flower"Description:
Abbreviated form of Zahara that was used by Chris Rock for his daughter and as a middle name by both Eddie Murphy and David Bowie. Compared with the even-more-abbreviated Zara, Zahra may create more spelling problems but clarify pronunciation.
- Zaynab
Origin:
Tree name or Arabic,"beauty, grace"Meaning:
"beauty, grace"Description:
Zaynab, from the Arabic word for beauty and the name of a flowering tree, was the name of a granddaughter, daughter and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed. Related names include the simplified forms Zaina and Zayna and the Swahili-inflected Zainabu, along with possibly Zenobia, a name related to the Greek mythological god Zeus. Zaynab is one of the most popular Muslim girls' names around the world.
- Zimri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my music, my praise"Description:
This unusual and spunky biblical name was one of the Kings of Israel as well as one of Judah's grandsons and has a wonderful meaning. We'd like to see Zimri being used more, and we think it has potential — "traveling lite" names, or 2 syllable names ending in -i, such as Zuri, Ezri, and Rafi are red-hot right now.
- Zilla
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"shadow"Description:
Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
- Zephaniah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has hidden"Description:
A minor prophet who has his own Book, Zephaniah is another Old Testament gem waiting to be rediscovered now that Noah and Abraham are becoming too trendy.
- Zanna
Origin:
Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, HebrewMeaning:
"lily or pledged to God"Description:
A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or even John.
- Zeb
Origin:
Diminutive of Zebediah or Zebulon, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God, exaltation, or little dwelling"Description:
Short and to-the-point, it turns an ancient biblical name into a friendly cowboy.
- Ziska
Description:
Ziska is an uncommon feminine name with historical roots. It likely originated as a diminutive form of the Czech name Zikmund (Sigismund in English). The name gained some historical recognition through Jan Žižka, the famous 15th-century Hussite military leader from Bohemia. As a feminine name, Ziska has remained quite rare internationally, appearing occasionally in Czech, German, and other Central European cultures. In modern usage, the name may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with Slavic heritage. Ziska has a melodic quality with its 'z' sound and crisp ending, though its rarity means many may be unfamiliar with its pronunciation or cultural associations.
- Zaki
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"full of virtue, pure"Description:
Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.
- Zeta
Origin:
Variation of Zita or Greek letter nameDescription:
The sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, popularized by Welsh actress Catherine Zeta-Jones -- Zeta was her grandmother's first name. Zeta can also refer to the letter Z, the last in the Roman alphabet, or be a spelling variation of Zita, a name with several possible origins and meanings.
- Zuriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my rock"Description:
Biblical name from the Old Testament.
- Zahava
Origin:
Modern Hebrew nameDescription:
This is a Hebrew word name, created from the word zahav, meaning gold.
- Zade
Origin:
Modern invented name or variation of Zayd, ArabicMeaning:
"increase, growth"Description:
You might think of this as the zesty brother of Cade and Slade. Or Zade might appeal to you as an anglicized spelling of the Arabic Zayd or Zaid, the name of an enslaved man that Muhammad adopted as his son.
- Zaylee
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
A contemporary spin on Hailey, Bailey, and Kailey, using the stylish letter Z and the double -ee ending, Zaylee ticks the boxes as trendy choice for a modern baby. It joined the US Top 1000 back in 2015 and at least 350 girls received the name in a recent year.
- Zarouhi
Origin:
Armenian variation of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
An entrancing, beguiling name that goes far to freshen up Sarah.
- Zafiro
Description:
Zafiro is a masculine name derived from the Spanish word for 'sapphire,' referring to the blue precious gemstone. The name carries connotations of luxury, beauty, and rarity. In various cultures, sapphires symbolize wisdom, nobility, and divine favor. Zafiro has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds and distinctive 'z' beginning. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it enjoys occasional use in Spanish-speaking regions. The name offers a unique option for parents seeking something with both exotic flair and a recognizable meaning. Its gemstone association gives it a touch of natural elegance and splendor.
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