Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Emma Waterhouse · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Hebrew
"movement"
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.
Arabic, Urdu
"pilgrim, visitor"
A cool Z name of Arabic origin with an alluring sound, Zawar would also translate well to an English-speaking environment. A notable namesake is the Pakistani cricketer Zawar Farid.
Armenian variation of Sarah
"princess"
An entrancing, beguiling name that goes far to freshen up Sarah.
"gold, brilliantly bright"
Zariza is a unique name sure to appeal to Z lovers.
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…
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…
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…
Zandy is a feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Alexandra or other names beginning with 'Z' or 'S' sounds. This playful, modern-sounding name has an energetic…
Zandro is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of Alessandro or Alejandro (both forms of Alexander), or possibly a combination of the 'Z' sound with the…
Taino, Persian
"grassy flatlands; flame of a candle"
This zippy, outdoorsy name is a multicultural option, with its roots in Taino and Persian. On one hand, it is the source of the word and name Savannah, derived from Taino, the language of the…
Variation of Sandra and Alexandra
"defending men"
A name that is rarely heard and might be worth considering as a way of zipping up a namesake Sandra. It has long been associated with iconoclastic British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. Zandra did…
German variation of Samuel
For Sam-lovers who want to make a slight detour off that well-traveled road.
Zalomon is a distinctive variation of Solomon, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning "peace" or "peaceful." While the traditional Solomon remains more common, Zalomon offers a unique twist…
Zally is an unusual masculine name that could be considered a variant spelling of Sally, though its classification as masculine is notable since Sally is traditionally feminine. It may also be a…
Greek
"sea-strength"
Appealing sound and meaning, but there is that discount-store association.
Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington gave their son Rocket the middle name Zot after Lara's father's nickname.
Persian
"short spear"
This is most familiar here as a musical name, via Indian Parsi conductor Zubin Mehta, but it certainly could be used by others.
Hungarian variation of Zachariah
If for whatever reason you're wed to the whole Zachary concept, this variation -- either as a proper name or a nickname -- is one way to make it new.
Modern invented name
Zee-ifying Bailey.
German
"tooth"
Newswoman Paula brought the surname Zahn to the public eye. It makes a dramatic, unusual Zane alternative -- though you may not want to enlighten your child as to its prosaic meaning.
