Cool Baby Names That Start With Z

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.

Zaza

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.

Zawar

An entrancing, beguiling name that goes far to freshen up Sarah.

Zarouhi

Zariza is a unique name sure to appeal to Z lovers.

Zariza

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.

Ziska

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.

Zanthe

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 Zoellus. His name seems to be a form of Zoilos... which itself comes from the same root as Zoe, meaning "life"! Whether it's ancient or modern, Zoelie is a pretty name that might appeal as an unusual alternative to Sylvie and Coralie.

Zoelie

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 quality with its zippy 'Z' beginning and friendly 'y' ending. As a standalone name, Zandy remains quite uncommon in usage statistics, making it a distinctive choice. The name has an informal, approachable feel while still being substantial enough for formal use. Zandy may appeal to parents seeking something spunky and unique without being completely unfamiliar in structure. While lacking a specific historical meaning beyond its possible connection to Alexandra (which means 'defender of mankind'), Zandy has developed its own character as a bright, contemporary-feeling name.

Zandy

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 common '-andro' ending found in Greek-derived names (meaning "man" or "warrior"). The name has particular usage in Filipino communities, where it has gained some popularity as a distinctive yet accessible choice. Zandro carries a modern, energetic quality with its punchy 'Z' beginning while maintaining connections to classical naming traditions. Though uncommon in most Western countries, its international flair and distinctive sound make it appealing to parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable.

Zandro

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 Indigenous people of the Caribbean. In this case, it refers to areas of flat, grassy land in hot climates. 
 
From its Persian roots, it means "flame", specifically referring to the flame of a candle, making this a light related name. Zabana may be used by Urdu and Arabic speakers, and appears as both a surname and a (sparingly used) given name.

Zabana

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 actually invade the lower depths of the U.S. popularity list three times--in 1953, 1970 and 1971.

Zandra

For Sam-lovers who want to make a slight detour off that well-traveled road. 

Zamiel

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 with its initial 'Z' creating a more exotic sound. The biblical King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and judicial fairness, giving the name associations with intelligence and judicious character. This variant spelling might reflect Sephardic Jewish naming traditions or Eastern European pronunciations where 'Z' and 'S' sounds sometimes interchange. Though rare in contemporary usage, Zalomon appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with biblical significance. Its uncommon spelling preserves the name's rich historical meaning while providing an individualized identity.

Zalomon

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 creative spelling of Zali (a Hebrew name meaning "my shadow") or a completely modern invention. The initial 'Z' gives the name a contemporary edge and distinctive quality that sets it apart. As a masculine name, Zally is extremely rare, making it appealing to parents seeking something truly unique for their son. The name has a playful, energetic sound with its zippy 'Z' start and friendly '-ally' ending. Without widespread usage, Zally carries few preconceptions and allows for personal meaning to be attached to it.

Zally

Appealing sound and meaning, but there is that discount-store association. 

Zale

Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington gave their son Rocket the middle name Zot after Lara's father's nickname.

This is most familiar here as a musical name, via Indian Parsi conductor Zubin Mehta, but it certainly could be used by others.


Zubin

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. 

Zako

Zailey

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. 

Zahn

The zippiest, zestiest first initial for baby names around must be Z. Zoe and Zachary are the top 

 in the US. Along with all the versions of Zoe and Zachary, names beginning with Z on the US Top 1000 include Zion, Zayden, Zane, Zara, Zuri, Zander, and Zaylee. Unique cool names starting with Z range from Zelig to Zelda.

 The top-ranked 

 are Zara, the name of one of the Queen's granddaughters, in England, while Zelie makes the Top 100 in France.  Popular 

 outside the US include Zuko, Zeno, and Zev.

Names starting with Z are among the hottest on Nameberry, rising more than 100% year over year.

Z as an initial is so intrinsically cool it may be that there are no baby names starting with Z that aren't cool. Here are some of the best Z-starting 

for baby boys and baby girls, ordered by current popularity on Nameberry.

Cool Baby Names That Start with Z (Page 6)