Baby Names That Start With Z: 18 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
Z names feel lively and modern, with a buzzy opening that is hard to forget. This list gathers 18 names that start with Z, from classics like Zoe and Zachary to rare ones like Zenobia and Zephyr, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Zara and Zelda, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (10)
- ZaharaArabic / Swahiliflower, to shineRadiant and rare.
- ZaraArabic / Hebrewuncertain; often read as 'radiance' or 'dawn'Short, stylish and international.
- ZeldaGermanicgrey battle (from Griselda)Quirky and famous through Zelda Fitzgerald.
- ZendayaShonato give thanksDistinctive and made famous by the actress.
- ZenobiaGreeklife of ZeusA warrior queen's name.
- ZinniaLatinthe zinnia flower (named after botanist Johann Zinn)Bright and cheerful.
- ZoeGreeklifeShort and widely loved.
- ZoraSlavicdawnLiterary, as in Zora Neale Hurston.
- ZuriSwahilibeautifulShort and melodic.
- ZivaHebrewradiance, brightnessBright and rare.
Boy names (7)
- ZachariahHebrewYahweh remembersA biblical form of Zachary.
- ZacharyHebrewGod remembersA friendly classic with the nickname Zach.
- ZaneScandinavian (disputed)God is gracious (possibly a form of John)Short and edgy.
- ZaynArabicbeauty, graceShort and stylish.
- ZekeHebrewGod strengthens (a short form of Ezekiel)Short and spirited.
- ZephyrGreekthe west windBreezy and rare.
- ZevHebrewwolfShort and strong.
Unisex names (1)
- ZionHebrewuncertain; the name of Mount Zion in JerusalemSpiritual and strong.
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How to choose
Z names are rare and memorable
A Z name is almost always unique in a class. Pair it with a classic middle name for balance.
Flower and nature names
Zinnia (a flower), Zephyr (the west wind) and Zora (dawn) give you a nature-inspired Z with a clear meaning.
Biblical and Arabic forms
Zachary (Hebrew), Zachariah, Zev (Hebrew 'wolf') and Zayn (Arabic 'beauty') give you Z names with rich traditions.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with Z?
Zoe, Zara and Zuri are popular for girls, while Zachary, Zane and Zayn are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with Z?
Zenobia, Zinnia, Zephyr, Zev and Zora are rare but have clear meanings.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with Z?
Zion is used for any gender.
What does the name Zoe mean?
Zoe is Greek and means 'life'.
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