Zealous Z's
- Zaden
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
A nouveau member of the Aidan/Braden/Jaden group. Yet another variation on a too-trendy genre -- never the most original way to go, even if there aren't yet many Zadens on your block. Still, a Z initial always adds zest and this is a name many boys would love to have for their very own.
- Zade
Origin:
Modern invented name or variation of Zayd, ArabicMeaning:
"increase, growth"Description:
You might think of this as the zesty brother of Cade and Slade. Or Zade might appeal to you as an anglicized spelling of the Arabic Zayd or Zaid, the name of an enslaved man that Muhammad adopted as his son.
- Zaina
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beauty, grace"Description:
Zaina is the simplified form of Zaynab, the name of the eldest daughter of Muhammad. Zayna is another accepted spelling, while international forms include Zainabu, which exists in both the Arabic and Swahili languages, and Zenja, which is popular in Bosnia.
- Zamir
Origin:
Hebrew, Arabic, AlbanianMeaning:
"nightingale, song; heart, conscience, mind; good voice"Description:
An interesting bird name choice if you're seeking a nonbiblical Hebrew name. The zippy Z sound is appealing to more parents, and Zamir entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022 and was one of the fastest rising names in 2023.
- Zamora
Origin:
Spanish place- and surnameDescription:
Heard in Spain more as a last name, but would work here as an alluring first.
- Zera
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to arise, dawn"Description:
This name is masculine in the Old Testament, as Zerah, a son of Judah and the twin of Perez. Now it is also been used for girls, perhaps inspired by its similarity to Sara and Zara.
- Zada
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"fortunate, prosperous"Description:
Popular girls' name in Syria. In Yiddish, pronounced ZAE-dah, this is a term for grandfather.
- Zanna
Origin:
Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, HebrewMeaning:
"lily or pledged to God"Description:
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 even John.
- Zahir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"helper, supporter"Description:
A popular name in the Middle East and one of the most evocative choices of its genre. One of the 99 names of Allah. The feminine form is Zahira.
- Zandi
Description:
Zandi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a diminutive of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'), a short form of names like Zandra or Xandra, or it may have independent origins in African languages. In South Africa, particularly among Zulu speakers, Zandi can mean 'increasing' or 'multiplying.' The name has a contemporary, energetic feel with its punchy 'z' beginning and cheerful ending. Zandi's cross-cultural versatility and modern sound have contributed to its gradual rise as parents seek shorter, distinctive names. Its relative rarity makes it stand out while still being intuitive to pronounce and spell in many languages.
- Zenia
Description:
Zenia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Greek name Xenia, meaning "hospitality" or "foreign," reflecting the ancient Greek concept of welcoming strangers. Alternatively, it could be connected to Zena, a Slavic diminutive of names like Zenobia, meaning "life of Zeus." In some cultures, it's associated with the zinnia flower. With its exotic Z beginning and flowing sound, Zenia projects an image of uncommon beauty and strength. The name has appeared across various cultures, from Eastern Europe to Latin America, giving it international appeal. Zenia's relative rarity combined with its accessible pronunciation makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet melodic with cross-cultural resonance.
- Zana
Origin:
Polish, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Latvian, AlbanianMeaning:
"God is Gracious; lily; voice, fairy"Description:
An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane, meaning "God is Gracious"; a Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian short form of Susanna, meaning "lily"; a Persian name meaning "woman"; a Mongolian name meaning "bullfinch"; and a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning "a hundred".
- Zan
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexander, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
There's Zan and there's Xan--take your pick. Both of these are the latest generation of Alexander nicknames, Xan having been noticed first as a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (a rich source of names), and soon phoneticized into Zan.
- Zarrin
Description:
Zarrin is a masculine name of Persian origin, meaning "golden" or "made of gold." The name symbolizes value, prosperity, and precious qualities. In Persian culture, gold represents not only material wealth but also spiritual richness and inner radiance. Zarrin carries an exotic, melodious quality that transcends cultural boundaries while maintaining its distinctive Middle Eastern heritage. Though not widely used in Western countries, the name has maintained consistent usage within Persian communities worldwide. Its meaningful etymology and pleasing sound make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with both substance and uniqueness. The name's connection to something precious and enduring gives it a timeless quality.
- Zared
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"trap"Description:
If there are too many Jareds in your neighborhood, you might want to consider this Hebrew alternative.
- Zarin
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"golden"Description:
More often heard in the West as a surname, Zarin could work as a first for boys or girls.
- Zadin
Description:
Zadin is a masculine name with a modern feel, possibly derived from Arabic origins or created as a contemporary variation of names like Zane, Zaiden, or Aiden. Though its specific etymology is unclear, it carries a strong, distinctive sound that feels both contemporary and substantial. The name's sharp 'Z' beginning gives it a dynamic quality, while the overall sound maintains a balance between uniqueness and accessibility. Zadin remains quite rare in most Western countries, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking something distinctive that still follows familiar naming patterns. The name has a powerful, confident quality without being overly complicated. Its rarity combined with its contemporary sound and relatively straightforward pronunciation makes Zadin an attractive option for parents desiring a modern name that stands out without being difficult to use in everyday life.
- Zavid
Origin:
Russian, meaning unknownDescription:
This Old Russian name is mentioned in several genealogical sources, but few modern name books. Pronounced either to rhyme with David, or as zah-VEED, it can be a highly unusual alternative.
- Zelik
Description:
Zelik is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish communities. The name derives from the Hebrew word 'zelik' meaning 'blessed' or 'fortunate.' In some Eastern European Jewish traditions, it can also be a diminutive form of Zalman or Selig. Zelik carries cultural richness and historical significance, particularly among Ashkenazi Jewish families. Though not widely used in mainstream Western culture, the name has maintained a steady presence within certain communities. Its distinctive sound and meaningful etymology make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual significance and cultural heritage.
- Zavair
Description:
Zavair is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Xavier (Basque for 'new house'), Zavier, or Zaviar, or it could be influenced by similar-sounding Arabic or Persian names. The distinctive 'Z' beginning gives it a contemporary edge while the 'air' ending contributes a flowing, sophisticated quality. Zavair has gained modest attention in recent decades as parents seek unique names with crosscultural appeal. The name carries a sense of strength and distinctiveness without being difficult to pronounce. Its relative rarity makes it stand out while still feeling accessible, appealing to parents who want their child to have a name that is both memorable and modern.