Zesty Z Names

Zeno

Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods

Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…

Zerrick

Modern invented name

Updates the tired Derek or Eric.

Ziggy

German, diminutive of Siegfried and Sigmund

"victorious peace; victorious protection; victory"

Perhaps the ultimate nicknamey name, Ziggy manages to sound cool, cutesy, spiky, and energetic all at once. It brings to mind the glam-rock of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the cool vibes of reggae…

Zadornin

Basque

"Saturn"

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

Zacharias

Greek form of Hebrew Zachariah

"the Lord has remembered"

One of several more venerable names that get to the nickname Zack if you're tired of Zachary. In the New Testament, Zacharias was the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist.

Zach

See Zac.

Zadock

Hebrew

"fair, righteous"

A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.

Zenobios

Greek

"life of Zeus"

Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.