Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Emma Waterhouse · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Arabic place name
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…
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…
Hebrew
"trap"
If there are too many Jareds in your neighborhood, you might want to consider this Hebrew alternative.
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…
Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew
"lily or pledged to God"
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…
Modern invented name
Updates the tired Derek or Eric.
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…
Athlete name
Zelmo Beaty was a noted basketball player in the 1960s and 1970s; his name has an offbeat tickle-me-Zelmo feel.
Two Zells of note: conservative southern senator Zell Miller, and video-game character Zell, a hero of "Final Fantasy."
Czech
"green"
A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.
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…
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.
Zehari is a distinctive feminine name with exotic appeal. Likely derived from Hebrew or Arabic origins, it may be related to the word "zohar" meaning "brilliance" or "radiance." The name might also…
Russian literary name
For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.
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…
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.
Croatian; Serbian; Slovene; Bulgarian
"healthy"
A South Slavic name with a distinct, bold sound, Zdravko comes from the word "zdrav", meaning "healthy". The name is also associated with the geranium flower as the word for the flower starts with…
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 .
"shadow"
Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.
A South Slavic name with a distinct, bold sound, Zdravka comes from the word "zdrav", meaning "healthy". The name is also associated with the geranium flower as the word for the flower starts with…
