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Sweet Z~s!

emmybee
By emmybee
Updated Mon May 22 2023
All those beautiful Z names that I'll probably never get to use!
  1. Zadie

    • Origin:

      English variation of Sadie

    • Meaning:

      "princess"

    • Description:

      When aspiring British writer Sadie Smith decided to change her name to the more distinctive and zippy Zadie at the age of fourteen, this attention-magnet name was born. But though it might sound like a modern initial-switch, Zadie was actually Number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years.
  2. Zanne

    • Description:

      Zanne is an uncommon feminine name that likely originated as a shortened form of Suzanne or possibly as a variant of Zanna. The name ultimately derives from Hebrew origins, connected to Susanna, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This concise variation has a modern, distinctive quality while maintaining connections to traditional naming roots. The distinctive initial 'Z' gives the name a contemporary edge and memorable quality. Though relatively rare in usage, Zanne offers an appealing combination of brevity and femininity. The name might appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet straightforward, with a blend of traditional roots and modern style. Its shortness makes it practical while its unusual nature makes it distinctive.

  3. Zara

    • Origin:

      Hebrew and Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "blooming flower; God remembers"

    • Description:

      Zara has multiple origins, but most notably is a variation of Zahrah, a name derived from the Arabic zahrah, meaning "blooming flower." Zara can also be a diminutive of the Bulgarian name Zaharina, a feminine form of the Hebrew Zechariah. Today, Zara is heavily associated with the Spanish fast-fashion empire of the same name.
  4. Zelena

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Selena

    • Description:

      See SELENA.
  5. Zelene

    • Description:

      Zelene is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Selene, the ancient Greek goddess of the moon. The 'Z' variation gives this classical name a contemporary edge while maintaining its celestial connections. The name means "moon" or "moonlight," evoking images of luminous beauty and tranquility. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, Zelene has gained modest popularity in Spanish-speaking regions, where it's appreciated for its melodic quality and distinctive beginning. The name flows gracefully when spoken, with emphasis typically on the second syllable (ze-LEH-neh). For parents seeking a name with mythological depth, natural symbolism, and an uncommon yet recognizable sound, Zelene offers an elegant choice that works well cross-culturally while avoiding excessive trendiness.
  6. Zelenya

    • Description:

      Zelenya is an exotic feminine name with Slavic roots. It likely derives from Slavic word elements relating to "green" or "earth," similar to the Russian word "zeleny" meaning green. The name evokes images of nature, growth, and vitality. Zelenya has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and distinctive 'z' and 'y' sounds. While uncommon in Western countries, it carries a contemporary feel despite its traditional origins. The name's uniqueness makes it stand out while its connection to nature gives it meaningful symbolism. Those named Zelenya might appreciate its distinctiveness and the beautiful natural associations it carries, representing freshness, renewal, and natural beauty.

  7. Zella

    • Origin:

      African, Bobangi, Libyan place name, diminutive of Rosella, Marcella, Gizella, or Isabella

    • Meaning:

      "lacking nothing, one who knows the way"

    • Description:

      Sunny, sassy, and stylish, Zella is a multicultural and versatile choice which works across multiple languages. Popular back in the early 19th century, Zella is now catching the attention of cotemporary parent as a rival to Ella, Stella, and Della.
  8. Zenobia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "force of Zeus"

    • Description:

      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 unusual. Tina Fey used it as her daughter Alice's middle name.
  9. Zephyra

    • Description:

      Zephyra is an ethereal feminine name derived from 'Zephyr,' the Greek god of the west wind. The name carries connotations of gentleness and freedom, as Zephyrus was known as the harbinger of spring and the mildest of the wind deities. This uncommon name possesses a dreamy, mystical quality with its flowing sounds and mythological origins. Though rare in everyday usage, Zephyra appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and poetic associations. The name evokes images of breezes, movement, and natural beauty. Its distinctive 'Z' beginning and melodic ending make it stand out while maintaining femininity. For those seeking a name with depth, mythological significance, and an unusual sound pattern, Zephyra offers a beautiful choice with its connections to nature and ancient tradition.
  10. Zettie

    • Description:

      Zettie is a feminine name with American roots, often used as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Z' such as Zetta or Zetella, or occasionally as a nickname for Elizabeth. Popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Southern United States, Zettie has a vintage charm that evokes simpler times. The name peaked in popularity around the 1900s but has since become quite rare, making it a distinctive choice for modern parents seeking uncommon vintage names. Zettie has a cheerful, lively sound with its bouncy 'z' and double 't' consonants. While lacking a specific meaning of its own, as a diminutive it carries the warm, affectionate quality characteristic of nicknames from this era.

  11. Zia

    • Origin:

      Latin; Arabic; Italian

    • Meaning:

      "grain; light, splendor; aunt"

    • Description:

      A short and zippy name that would blend right in with but also stand out among a group of girls named Mia, Gia, Lia and Tia. If you're searching for girl names that work in many cultures, this is an accessible yet distinctive choice. One caveat though: in an Italian-American family it would be strange to have a baby named Aunt.
  12. Zila

    • Description:

      Zila is a concise feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew tradition, it's related to 'tzila' meaning 'shadow' or 'shade,' while in Swahili, it can mean 'beautiful.' The name also appears in Hungarian usage. Zila's brevity and strong 'z' sound give it a modern, distinctive quality despite its ancient roots. Though relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Zila has seen modest usage across various cultures. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it appealing to parents seeking something simple yet distinctive with international resonance. The name balances uniqueness with straightforward pronunciation, requiring no nicknames due to its already compact form.
  13. Zilah

    • Description:

      Zilah is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, likely derived from the biblical name Zillah, which means 'shadow' or 'shade.' This evocative meaning carries connotations of protection and mystery. The simplified spelling with one 'l' and ending with 'h' gives it a streamlined, contemporary feel while maintaining its ancient roots. In the Bible, Zillah was one of the wives of Lamech, making the name rich in historical and religious significance. Zilah remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a name with biblical connections that isn't commonly used. Its short length and melodic sound make it both distinctive and easy to pronounce.

  14. Zinnia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from German surname

    • Meaning:

      "Zinn's flower"

    • Description:

      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 an eighteenth German botanist called Johann Gottfried Zinn, it appears in Roald Dahl's Matilda as the young protagonist's mother.
  15. Zipporah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Tziporah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      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.
  16. Zoe

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Zoe is one of those surprising names that has been on the Top 1000 nearly every year since 1880, but it's only since the turn of this century that it's ranked in the Top 100.
  17. Zola

    • Origin:

      African, Congolese; also literary name

    • Meaning:

      "piece of earth"

    • Description:

      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 recognizable to some as the adopted daughter of Meredith Grey and Derek Shepherd on the hit, long-running show Grey's Anatomy.
  18. Zora

    • Origin:

      Serbo-Croatian

    • Meaning:

      "dawn"

    • Description:

      Zora is a meaningful literary heroine name honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
  19. Zanthia
    • Zerlina