Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
Cool Baby Names That Start with Z
Across 7 pages
of 7
Zenina
Zenina is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Greek name Zena (meaning "hospitable" or connected to Zeus), the Russian diminutive Zenechka, or could be a…
Zenith
English
"the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer"
Zenith is an uplifting if quirky word name, meaning the top or the peak. Eight boys received the name in one recent year, only a third of those who were called Nadir -- the low point!
Zeno
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…
Zenobia
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…
Zephan
Hebrew
"God has hidden"
This shortened form of Zephaniah makes an original Old Testament choice. It might plausibly make an honor name for Stephen or Stephan, and comes with the appealing short form Zeph.
Zephaniah
Hebrew
"God has hidden"
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. The vowel-sound ending of Zephaniah is…
Zeo
Modern invented name
More neo than Neo, this is a name heard in the Power Rangers film title Power Rangers Zeo .
Zephyr
Greek
"west wind"
If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of…
Zephyrine
Feminine variation of Zephyr, Greek
"west wind"
Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina,…
Zeren
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…
Zerline
French variant of Zerlin and Zerlina
"beautiful dawn"
Although a variant of the operatic Zerlina, Zerline has her own theatrical tale. She is the star character of the opera Fra Diavolo by Daniel Auber. Zerline, daughter of the innkeeper of Terracina,…
Zero
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. Seven boys were called…
Zerrick
Modern invented name
Updates the tired Derek or Eric.
Zeta
Variation of Zita or Greek letter name
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…
Zeus
Greek mythology name
The supreme Olympian god represents a mighty image for a little fella to live up to, but more and more parents are beginning to consider it seriously. The Roman equivalent Jupiter has also come down…
Zevi
Hebrew
"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…
Zhaklina
Bulgarian, Macedonian, Russian, from French
"supplanter"
If you love the French pronunciation of Jacqueline, you may also be drawn to its Slavic cousin, which shares the same thick Zh sound. Zhaklina's cool Z initial and feminine ending give Jacqueline a…
Zhaleh
Persian
"dew, hail stone, hoarfrost"
A unique Z name with a perfect meaning for a winter baby, most commonly seen in Iran. Zhaleh can also be written as Jale or Jaleh.
Zhane
Modern invented name
Mix a bit of old-fashioned Jane with the male-inflected Zane, et voila.
Zhivago
Russian literary name
"life"
For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.