Compilation of Z names

Compilation of names beginning with the letter "Z". - (Dear Nameberry, can we please go back to not needing the long 15+ word description?)
  1. Zachariah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, form of Zechariah
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord has remembered"
    • Description:

      This distinguished name still feels a bit ancient, but with the rise of such former graybeards as Jeremiah and Elijah, it also sounds child-friendly again, as does the Latin-Greek form Zacharias.
  2. Zachary
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord has remembered"
    • Description:

      Zachary, a Top 20 name throughout the 90s, is now sliding down the rankings though it remains in the Top 200. With its ancient roots and modern feel, it's easy to understand why Zachary has been such a longtime winner.
  3. Zacheo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Zachary
    • Description:

      Zacheo is an Italian last name that is occasionally seen as a first name. Also used in Brazil (where it can be pronounced Za-shey-o), it could prove a little-known (to English speakers) alternative to Zachary.
  4. Zacqueline
    • Description:

      Zacqueline is a feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Jacqueline, with the initial 'J' replaced by 'Z' for a more distinctive sound and appearance. Jacqueline is the French feminine form of Jacques (James), ultimately derived from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter.' Zacqueline maintains the elegant, classic structure of Jacqueline while adding a contemporary edge with the uncommon 'Z' beginning. This innovative spelling creates a name that feels both familiar and unique. Though rare, Zacqueline appeals to parents seeking an unusual twist on a classic name. It maintains the sophisticated impression of Jacqueline while standing out in a crowd.
  5. Zakaria
    • Description:

      Zakaria is a masculine name of Arabic and Hebrew origin, serving as a variant of Zachariah or Zechariah, which means "God has remembered." This name appears in both the Bible and the Quran, where Zakaria (or Zakariya) was a prophet and the father of John the Baptist (Yahya in Islamic tradition). The name is widely used across Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In Western countries, this spelling is less common than Zachary or Zachariah but has gained recognition with increasing global cultural awareness. Zakaria offers a meaningful spiritual connection while being recognized internationally, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with religious significance and cross-cultural resonance.

  6. 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.
  7. Zavier
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Xavier
    • Description:

      This phonetic version is occasionally used and removes any confusion about whether the X is fully pronounced or not.
  8. Zea
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "grain"
    • Description:

      An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.
  9. Zeeva
    • Description:

      Zeeva is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the name Ziva or Zivah, meaning 'radiance,' 'light,' or 'brightness.' The alternative spelling with double 'e' gives the name a distinctive, contemporary feel while maintaining its ancient roots. In Hebrew tradition, the name evokes images of luminosity and inner glow, symbolizing beauty and positivity. Zeeva remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal while still being accessible in pronunciation. The name has gained modest attention in recent years as parents increasingly seek meaningful names with cross-cultural significance. With its soft consonants and flowing vowels, Zeeva offers a feminine elegance combined with spiritual depth and visual imagery of light and brilliance.
  10. Zehava
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gold, golden"
    • Description:

      The more dignified and attractive Hebrew equivalent of Golda or Goldie.
  11. Zelah
    • Origin:

      Biblical place-name
    • Description:

      A city in Benjamin's territory that makes a perfect first name.
  12. Zelda
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Griselda
    • Meaning:

      "gray fighting maid"
    • Description:

      Classified as an early beauty, Zelda has long and often been used as such for characters in books and films. Since 1986, Zelda has been a prime Nintendo name, as in the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
  13. Zelina
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "zealous"
    • Description:

      A rarely heard name that might appeal to parents looking for an unusual name starting with "Z".
  14. Zeline
    • Origin:

      Hungarian form of Celeste; variation of Zelina
    • Description:

      Z names have been popular in recent years, and here's an obscure option for achieving the initial, though Zelina may be a little more successful in the US with its feminine -a ending.
  15. 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.
  16. Zelma
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Anselma
    • Meaning:

      "God helmet"
    • Description:

      The Selma-Thelma-Velma connection dates it.
  17. Zelpha
    • Description:

      Zelpha is an uncommon feminine name with biblical connections, appearing as a variation of Zilpah, who was the handmaid of Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name has Hebrew origins, though its precise meaning is somewhat disputed, with some sources suggesting 'frailty' or 'drooping.' Zelpha enjoyed modest usage in the 19th century, particularly in religious communities, but remained relatively rare. The name has an antique, distinctive quality with its uncommon 'Z' beginning and 'ph' combination. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Zelpha carries a sense of history and biblical connection that appeals to some parents seeking an uncommon name with religious roots. Its vintage sound aligns with the revival of other rare biblical and historical names.
  18. Zen
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "meditation"
    • Description:

      A spiritual word name used by actor Zoe Saldana for her son as well as more recently Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott for their late son. Zen has been trending in recent years along with other spiritual names such as Bodhi and Zion, and recently entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022.
  19. 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.
  20. Zephaniel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "god hides"
    • Description:

      This intriguing Z name belongs to an angel in medieval Jewish mysticism.