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Cool Baby Names That Start with Z

  1. Zilla

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "shadow"

    • Description:

      Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
  2. Zanthe

    • Description:

      Zanthe is a feminine name primarily considered a variant spelling of Xanthe, which derives from the Greek word 'xanthos' meaning 'yellow' or 'blonde.' In Greek mythology, Xanthe was a sea nymph, one of the Oceanids. The Z spelling gives the name a more contemporary and distinctive appearance while maintaining the classical roots. Zanthe has an exotic, lyrical quality that combines ancient heritage with modern appeal. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking names with classical origins and unusual initial letters. The name's connection to the color yellow also gives it subtle associations with sunshine and brightness.
  3. Zanna

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Zadok

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "righteous"

    • Description:

      A rarely heard biblical name, Zadok is borne by no less than nine Old Testament men.
  5. Zamzam

    • Origin:

      Arabic place name

    • Description:

      Zamzam has to be the ultimate impact name. Despite all those Zs, Zamzam, is not a trendy modern invention by some rock star; in fact Zamzam derives from the Well of Zamzam, which is the holiest place in Mecca.
  6. Zira

    • Origin:

      Berber, Tamazight

    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Zaza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "movement"

    • Description:

      Funky choice with za-za-zoom. Zaza could be used as a nickname for almost any name with the "za" cluster, including Elizabeth and Esperanza.
  8. Zed

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah

    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  9. Zelma

    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Anselma

    • Meaning:

      "God helmet"

    • Description:

      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 recent interest and clunky names holding new appeal, Zelma may be one to reconsider.
  10. Zena

    • Origin:

      Variation of Xenia, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "guest, hospitality"

    • Description:

      Familiar through the similarly pronounced TV Warrior Princess, Xena, this name ultimately derives from the Greek Xenia, meaning "guest, foreigner, hospitality". Familiar in the early 19th century in the US, it may also be used as a short form of Alexina, Rozina, Zenobia, and similar.
  11. Zedekiah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is just"

    • Description:

      The name of an Old Testament king, and yet another 'Z' choice from the Bible that still retains some zip, especially with the appealing nickname Zed. Zedekiah was the name of the last king of Judea before the city was destroyed by Babylon.
  12. Zaki

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "full of virtue, pure"

    • Description:

      Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.
  13. Zaylee

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Zofia

    • Origin:

      Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of Sophia

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.
  15. Zooey

    • Origin:

      Literary name or variation of Zoe, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Readers who remember J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey have probably forgotten that the character was male (nee Zachary). Nowadays the somewhat loopy spin on Zoe is associated with actress Zooey Deschanel.
  16. Zina

    • Origin:

      Russian, Hungarian, Arabic, African, Nsenga

    • Meaning:

      "related to Zeus; rose; adornment, ornament; spirt name"

    • Description:

      A truly international name with an arty feel, Zina has many origins. It is used as a short form of Zinaida, Rozina, and Zenobia in Russia, Hungary, and Poland and as an alternative form of Xena, Xenia, and Zena in various European countries. It is also an Arabic name meaning "adornment", an Nsenga name referring to a child's spirit name, a Galician form of Gina, and an Amharic name that could mean "felicity, happiness".
  17. Zuzanna

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of Susannah

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.
  18. Zelenka

    • Origin:

      Czech

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
  19. Zibby

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Description:

      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.
  20. 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.