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Karen's List o' Z

karen
By karen
Updated Sat May 20 2023
  1. Zabrina

    • Description:

      Zabrina is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Sabrina, with the initial 'Z' giving it a distinctive, contemporary edge. While Sabrina has origins in Celtic mythology as a river goddess and princess, Zabrina represents a modern adaptation that maintains the melodic quality of the original. The name gained modest recognition in the late 20th century as parents sought unique variations of established names. Zabrina carries associations with mystique and individuality, while still connecting to the romantic, flowing qualities of its more traditional counterpart. The 'Z' beginning lends the name an energetic, vibrant quality that stands out on paper and in pronunciation. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Zabrina appeals to those seeking a name that balances familiarity with uniqueness.
  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. Zachavah

    • Description:

      Zachavah is an extremely rare feminine name that appears to be a creative variation combining elements of biblical names. It likely draws from Zachariah (meaning 'God has remembered') and possibly incorporates sounds from names like Avah or Havah (forms of Eve, meaning 'life' or 'living one'). This distinctive combination creates a unique name that maintains biblical connections while standing apart from more common scriptural names. Zachavah has virtually no recorded statistical presence in naming databases, making it one of the more unusual naming choices. The name carries a melodic quality with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a rhythmic flow when pronounced. For parents seeking a genuinely distinctive name with spiritual overtones, Zachavah offers extraordinary uniqueness while still providing the familiar 'Zach-' sound that connects it to more traditional biblical naming traditions.

  4. Zacheus

    • Description:

      Zacheus is a masculine name with ancient biblical roots, being a variant spelling of Zacchaeus, who appears in the New Testament as a tax collector who encountered Jesus. The name derives from Hebrew, meaning 'pure' or 'innocent.' This spelling variation maintains the historical and religious connections while slightly simplifying the traditional form. Zacheus offers parents a way to honor biblical tradition while using a somewhat less common variant than the popular Zachary, which shares the same Hebrew root. Though never widely used, Zacheus has maintained consistent, if minimal, usage throughout history, particularly in religious communities. The name carries connotations of spiritual transformation and redemption based on its biblical associations.
  5. Zadornin

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "Saturn"

    • Description:

      If you want something truly different that also has an interesting origin and meaning, this is a far-out -- if not unlikely -- possibility.
  6. Zaferina

    • Description:

      Zaferina is a rare feminine name with multicultural origins, potentially derived from the Arabic word 'zafir' meaning 'victorious' or 'successful.' It may also have connections to the Italian word 'zaffiro' (sapphire) or the Spanish 'záfiro,' suggesting qualities of preciousness and deep blue beauty. This elaborate and melodic name features a distinctive 'Z' beginning that gives it an exotic quality. Zaferina has never been widely used in English-speaking countries, remaining an uncommon choice that offers considerable uniqueness. The name's flowing sound with its soft 'f' and rhythmic ending creates a graceful impression. Parents drawn to Zaferina likely appreciate its international flair, uncommon status, and the positive connotations of victory and beauty it carries.
  7. Zafira

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "to succeed"

    • Description:

      Has a gemlike glow, as in Sapphire.
  8. Zahava

    • Origin:

      Modern Hebrew name

    • Description:

      This is a Hebrew word name, created from the word zahav, meaning gold.
  9. Zaida

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "properous"

    • Description:

      Could be some disconnect between spelling and pronunciation.
  10. Zandra

    • Origin:

      Variation of Sandra and Alexandra

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      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.
  11. Zaniah

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "corner"

    • Description:

      This name of a triple star system in Virgo has a New Agey astral feel.
  12. 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.
  13. Zariza

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "gold, brilliantly bright"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Zedekiah

    • Description:

      Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
  15. Zefarina

    • Description:

      Zefarina is a feminine name with Latin and Greek influences, likely derived from 'Zephyrus,' the Greek god of the west wind. The name evokes a sense of gentle breezes and natural beauty through this connection. Zefarina remains quite rare globally, giving it a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common names. The melodious flow of its four syllables creates a rhythm that feels both exotic and elegant. The 'ina' suffix adds a feminine touch common in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese naming traditions. Zefarina might appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots but an unusual, almost magical quality - combining the lightness associated with its wind-related etymology and the sophistication of its romantic language structure.
  16. Zehara

    • Description:

      Zehara is an exotic feminine name with possible Hebrew or Arabic origins. It may be a variant spelling of Zahara or Zahrah, which means 'flower' or 'blossom' in Arabic, or it could relate to the Hebrew 'zohar' meaning 'radiance' or 'light.' The distinctive 'Z' beginning gives the name a bold, memorable quality, while the overall sound has a flowing, melodious feel. Zehara gained some recognition after Angelina Jolie named her adopted daughter Zahara in 2005, though this specific spelling remains uncommon. The name evokes images of mystery and beauty, possibly appealing to parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal and an exotic flair. Its rarity ensures that a child named Zehara will likely have a unique identity.
  17. Zeila

    • Origin:

      African place-name

    • Description:

      Zeila, the name of a port town in Somalia, has cultural resonance and an appealing sound.
  18. Zeki

    • Origin:

      Turkish; Ethiopian, Amharic

    • Meaning:

      "clever, intelligent; pure"

    • Description:

      This mini name is more spunky than Zack or Zeke, but shares those well-loved sounds. In Ethiopia, Zeki means "pure", and is pronounced "zeh-KEE", with emphasis on the second syllable. With the rise of trending Zakai and similar names into the US charts, Zeki has potential.
  19. Zela

    • Origin:

      African variation of Zoe

    • Description:

      See ZELLA.
  20. Zelaina

    • Description:

      Zelaina is a rare feminine name with possible Greek or Slavic influences, though it may also be a modern creative variation of names like Selena or Zelena. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its melodic combination of consonants and vowels. Those named Zelaina might appreciate the uniqueness of their name, as it remains extremely uncommon in most countries and rarely appears on popularity charts. The 'zel-' beginning evokes associations with names meaning 'light' or 'shining' in various languages, while the whole creates an impression of mystical femininity. Though lacking extensive historical usage, Zelaina appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with an exotic feel that maintains relatively straightforward pronunciation despite its uncommon nature.