Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
Cool Baby Names That Start with Z
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Ziazan
Armenian
"rainbow"
This intriguing name from Armenia has a lovely meaning "rainbow" and was used for the adorable protagonist of the film by the same name who hides in a suitcase and ends up going on an adventure to…
Zibby
Diminutive of Elizabeth
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.
Ziggy
German, diminutive of Siegfried and Sigmund
"victorious peace; victorious protection; victory"
Perhaps the ultimate nicknamey name, Ziggy manages to sound cool, cutesy, spiky, and energetic all at once. It brings to mind the glam-rock of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the cool vibes of reggae…
Zilke
German diminutive of Cecilia or Celia
"blind"
Along with the more common Silke, a diminutive used in Germany for Cecilia and Celia. Both Silke and Zilke are unknown yet usable German names for girls .
Zilla
Hebrew
"shadow"
Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
Zimri
Hebrew
"my music, my praise"
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…
Zina
Russian, Hungarian, Arabic, African, Nsenga
"related to Zeus; rose; adornment, ornament; spirt name"
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,…
Zinnia
Flower name, from German surname
"Zinn's flower"
Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after the 18th-century German…
Zipporah
Variation of Tziporah, Hebrew
"bird"
There are many variations of this name, with or without the initial T and the final h, with one p or two. In the Bible she was the wife of Moses.
Zira
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.
Ziska
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…
Zita
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.
Zoelie
French from Greek
"life"
Zoelie, also spelled Zoélie, looks like a modern elaboration of Zoe but may have deeper roots. It is thought to be a form of Zoelle, a feminization of Zoel, the French version of the saintly name…
Zofia
Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of Sophia
"wisdom"
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.
Zola
African, Congolese; also literary name
"piece of earth"
When the Eddie Murphys named their fourth daughter Zola, it affirmed the up-and-coming status of the name, which has African roots, but also literary links to Emile Zola. Zola may also be…
Zoltan
Hungarian
"sultan"
Though a common name in Hungary, with the spelling Zoltán, the relatively rare Z sound is striking to English speakers. Penn Gillette used the Zolten spelling for his son; it was also the name of…
Zooey
Literary name or variation of Zoe, Greek
"life"
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…
Zoren
Alternative spelling of Zoran, Slavic
"dawn"
A cool modern spelling of this name, reminiscent of Nameberry favorite Soren.
Zorian
Zorian is a masculine name with Slavic and Greek roots. It derives from the Slavic element 'zor' or 'zori' meaning 'dawn' or 'sunrise,' symbolizing new beginnings and hope. Some connect it to the…
Zosia
Variant of Sophia, Greek
"wisdom"
This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls .