Baby boy names starting with Z are bursting with energy, style, and modern cool. Classic-meets-trendy choices like Zachary ("remembered by God") and Zane ("God is gracious") strike a perfect balance, while bold picks such as Zephyr ("west wind"), Zion ("highest point"), and Zev ("wolf" in Hebrew) amp up the originality. Z names often have a zesty, memorable punch—consider Zander (short for Alexander), Zaire (African place name meaning "river"), or Ziggy (German "victorious protector"). They span cultures vibrantly, from the Arabic Zayd ("abundance") to the Slavic Zoran ("dawn"). Whether you're drawn to the strong Zeke, the nature-inspired Zion, or the quirky Zebulon, Z names deliver an irresistible mix of playfulness and substance, ensuring your son’s name stands out in the best way.
Baby Names That Start With Z
Zesty, zen-like, and totally one-of-a-kind — baby names beginning with the letter Z bring drama, charm, and a bold spirit. From gentle florals like Zinnia to fierce mythic picks like Zelda or Zion.Here are 50 selected Z-letter baby name inspirations for you to put a unique end to your naming journey.
1. Zara
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Radiance, princess
Description: Zara dazzles with understated elegance, its two crisp syllables packing both luminosity and royal grace. The name's cross-cultural appeal (from Arabic royalty to European fashion) makes it globally sophisticated, while its similarity to Sara ensures easy familiarity. A radiant choice that's both contemporary and timeless, perfect for a child destined to shine.
2. Zion
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Highest point
Description: Zion carries profound spiritual weight with its biblical mountain symbolism, yet feels freshly modern. The name's strong single-syllable punch and uplifting meaning create powerful appeal, equally suited for thoughtful souls and natural leaders. A transcendent choice that's both grounded and aspirational.
3. Zane
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious
Description: Zane strikes the perfect balance between rugged charm and sleek modernity. Its single-syllable strength and "z" beginning give it contemporary edge, while the spiritual meaning adds depth. A versatile name that's equally at home on an artist or adventurer, radiating quiet confidence.
4. Zoey
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life
Description: Zoey bubbles with vibrant energy, its cheerful "z" start and "-ey" ending creating irresistible brightness. The name's ancient roots (from Greek "zoe") contrast beautifully with its modern popularity, offering joyful substance. Perfect for parents who want something lively yet meaningful, playful yet polished.
5. Zayd
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Growth, abundance
Description: Zayd (ZAYD) makes a strong minimalist statement, its single syllable brimming with positive energy. The name's Islamic heritage and powerful meaning give it cultural richness, while its simplicity ensures broad appeal. A compact powerhouse of a name for parents valuing both substance and style.
6. Zinnia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Flower name
Description: Zinnia blossoms with botanical charm, its vibrant floral namesake and "-ia" ending creating garden-fresh delight. The name's colorful personality and vintage revival make it a standout choice for nature-loving parents seeking something both cheerful and uncommon.
7. Zander
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender of men
Description: Zander puts a modern spin on the classic Alexander, its "z" beginning adding contemporary zing. The name's heroic meaning and crisp two-syllable structure create appealing strength, perfect for parents who want traditional roots with fresh energy.
8. Zuleika
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Brilliant and beautiful
Description: Zuleika (zoo-LAY-kah) shimmers with exotic elegance, its lyrical three syllables rolling like desert winds. The name's regal meaning and literary connections (from Persian poetry to modern novels) lend cultured mystique. A jewel-like choice for parents drawn to rare, musical names.
9. Zeke
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God strengthens
Description: Zeke packs a punch in four bold letters, its biblical roots (from Ezekiel) balanced by rugged simplicity. The name's strong consonant ending and spiritual meaning create appealing substance, while its nickname-friendly vibe keeps it approachable.
10. Zora
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Dawn
Description: Zora (ZOR-ah) greets the world with luminous beauty, its morning light meaning and literary heritage (Zora Neale Hurston) creating artistic resonance. The name's international flair and natural imagery make it a poetic choice for new beginnings.
11. Zamir
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Conscience, heart
Description: Zamir (zah-MEER) speaks to the soul with its profound meaning and gentle cadence. The name's Middle Eastern roots and introspective significance offer meaningful depth, perfect for parents who value names that inspire moral strength and compassion.
12. Zahara
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: To shine
Description: Zahara (zah-HAR-ah) radiates with spiritual light, its three syllables unfolding like sunbeams. The name's biblical connections and uplifting meaning create ethereal beauty, while nicknames (Zahra, Zara) offer versatility. A luminous choice with sacred roots.
13. Zephyr
Origin: Greek
Meaning: West wind
Description: Zephyr floats on airy grace, its mythological roots and natural meaning creating poetic whimsy. The name's uncommon "z" beginning and soft ending strike a perfect balance between distinctive and gentle, ideal for free-spirited souls.
14. Zosia
Origin: Polish
Meaning: Wisdom
Description: Zosia (ZOH-shah) charms with European elegance, its Slavic variant of Sophia offering vintage freshness. The name's intellectual meaning and delicate sound create sophisticated sweetness, perfect for parents seeking something cultured yet approachable.
15. Zayden
Origin: American
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zayden rides the wave of modern "aden" names with its zippy "z" start and trendy appeal. The name's invented nature makes it a blank canvas, while its similarity to Aiden ensures familiarity. A contemporary choice for parents who love popular sounds with a unique twist.
16. Zia
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Light
Description: Zia (ZEE-ah) shines with minimalist beauty, its three letters containing boundless radiance. The name's spiritual connotations and cross-cultural simplicity make it globally appealing, like sunlight distilled into a name.
17. Zarina
Origin: Persian
Meaning: Golden
Description: Zarina (zah-REE-nah) glows with gilded elegance, its regal meaning and melodic flow creating luxurious charm. The name's Central Asian roots and precious metal association make it a jewel-box choice for parents seeking something both opulent and meaningful.
18. Zionah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lifted up
Description: Zionah (zye-OH-nah) elevates the beloved Zion with a graceful feminine suffix, creating a name that soars with spiritual significance. The name's biblical roots and uplifting meaning make it a radiant choice for parents seeking something both sacred and stylish, perfect for a child destined to rise above.
19. Zayla
Origin: Modern
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zayla (ZAY-lah) dances with contemporary charm, its melodic two syllables blending the popular "Zay-" prefix with a lyrical "-la" ending. This fresh creation offers originality without being unfamiliar, making it ideal for parents who want a unique name that still feels effortlessly wearable.
20. Zebediah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gift of God
Description: Zebediah (zeh-BEE-dye-ah) stands as a pillar of biblical strength, its four substantial syllables rolling with Old Testament gravitas. The name's vintage charm and noble meaning make it a distinguished choice, while nicknames like Zeb or Zed keep it approachable for modern use.
21. Zelda
Origin: German
Meaning: Gray fighting maid
Description: Zelda zings with vintage spunk, its gaming fame (Legend of Zelda) balanced by old-world Germanic roots. The name's warrior meaning and short, punchy delivery create appealing contrast - both sweet and strong, retro and ready for revival.
22. Zaki
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Pure
Description: Zaki (ZAH-kee) offers minimalist perfection in two crisp syllables, its meaningful Arabic roots suggesting clarity of spirit. The name's strong consonant ending gives it quiet power, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking something simple yet profound.
23. Zalika
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: Well-born
Description: Zalika (zah-LEE-kah) flows with African elegance, its melodic three syllables conveying noble heritage. The name's rarity and graceful cadence make it a hidden gem, perfect for parents drawn to culturally rich names that stand out beautifully.
24. Zuri
Origin: Swahili
Meaning: Beautiful
Description: Zuri (ZOO-ree) shines with effortless beauty, its two sunny syllables radiating positivity. The name's African roots and straightforward meaning create universal appeal, offering stylish simplicity that's as lovely as its definition.
25. Zorion
Origin: Basque
Meaning: Happiness
Description: Zorion (zor-ee-ON) bubbles with joyful energy, its rare Basque origins and uplifting meaning creating a name that's both unique and meaningful. The "-ion" ending adds a modern, almost scientific flair to this bright appellation.
26. Zofia
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Wisdom
Description: Zofia (ZOH-fee-ah) brings European sophistication to the classic Sophia, its "z" beginning adding distinctive flair. The name's intellectual meaning and graceful flow make it a cultured choice with timeless appeal across continents.
27. Ziven
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Vigorous, alive
Description: Ziven (ZIH-ven) pulses with vibrant energy, its two crisp syllables containing boundless life force. The name's uncommon "Ziv-" root (meaning radiance) gives it luminous quality, perfect for an energetic child full of spark.
28. Zamira
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Song, melody
Description: Zamira (zah-MEER-ah) sings with liquid beauty, its musical meaning reflected in its harmonious flow. The name's Middle Eastern roots and artistic connotations make it a poetic choice for creative souls and music-loving families.
29. Zoran
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Dawn
Description: Zoran (ZOR-an) greets the day with masculine strength, its morning light meaning and crisp consonants creating vibrant energy. Popular across Eastern Europe, this name offers international flair with easy pronunciation for global families.
30. Zahara-Rose
Origin: Hebrew-English
Meaning: Shine + flower
Description: Zahara-Rose blossoms with double-barreled delight, combining Hebrew radiance with English floral charm. The hyphenated structure feels modern and musical, perfect for parents who love meaningful names with lyrical beauty.
31. Zyra
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Radiance
Description: Zyra (ZYE-rah) makes a bold statement in four powerful letters, its meaning of brilliance shining through. The name's contemporary feel and strong "z" start give it modern edge, while its Arabic roots provide cultural depth.
32. Zaniel
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my judge
Description: Zaniel (ZAN-ee-el) stands firm in spiritual strength, its biblical resonance and sturdy cadence creating timeless appeal. The name's angelic "-el" ending adds celestial grace to its righteous meaning.
33. Zelda-Rae
Origin: German-English
Meaning: Fighting maid + grace
Description: Zelda-Rae strikes the perfect balance between vintage spunk and modern sweetness. The hyphenated pairing honors tradition while feeling freshly inventive - ideal for parents who appreciate names with both character and charm.
34. Zed
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Justice of the Lord
Description: Zed makes a powerful impact in just three letters, its biblical short form packing spiritual punch. The name's crisp final-alphabet position gives it appealing edge, perfect for parents seeking minimalist names with maximum meaning.
35. Zemira
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Joyful song
Description: Zemira (zeh-MEER-ah) dances with musical joy, its melodic three syllables reflecting its harmonious meaning. The name's biblical roots and uplifting significance make it a beautiful choice for happy, artistic souls.
36. Zalman
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Peaceful
Description: Zalman (ZAHL-man) offers old-world charm with its Yiddish roots and tranquil meaning. The name's sturdy consonants and gentle significance create appealing balance - strong yet serene, traditional yet ready for rediscovery.
37. Zaniya
Origin: Native American
Meaning: Always
Description: Zaniya (zah-NEE-yah) flows with eternal beauty, its indigenous roots and perpetual meaning creating profound resonance. The name's lyrical three syllables and uncommon origin make it a distinctive choice with soulful depth.
38. Zylah
Origin: Modern
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zylah (ZY-lah) shimmers with contemporary elegance, its sleek "Z" opening and soft "-lah" ending creating a perfect balance of strength and grace. This modern invention feels both fresh and timeless, offering a distinctive choice for parents seeking a rare gem that's easy to pronounce yet unforgettable.
39. Zacchaeus
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pure
Description: Zacchaeus (za-KEE-us) stands tall with biblical grandeur, its three substantial syllables rolling with New Testament history. The name's tax-collector-turned-saint story adds depth, while nicknames like Zac keep it wearable. A distinguished choice for parents valuing spiritual significance and vintage charm.
40. Zori
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Golden dawn
Description: Zori (ZOR-ee) sparkles like morning sunlight, its brief two syllables containing radiant warmth. The name's Slavic roots and luminous meaning make it a hidden treasure - compact yet meaningful, simple yet special. Perfect for a child who brings light into the world.
41. Zinovia
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Life of Zeus
Description: Zinovia (zin-OH-vee-ah) commands attention with regal Greek majesty, its four syllables unfolding with divine power. The name's mythological connection to the king of gods creates awe-inspiring resonance, while its rarity ensures distinction. A formidable choice for a strong-willed spirit.
42. Zohar
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Light, brilliance
Description: Zohar (zoh-HAR) radiates sacred illumination, its mystical Jewish text associations adding profound depth. The name's strong consonant ending gives it grounded power, making it ideal for parents seeking something spiritually significant yet succinct.
43. Zayven
Origin: Modern
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zayven (ZAY-ven) rides the wave of contemporary naming trends with its fashionable "Zay-" prefix and trendy "-ven" suffix. The name's invented nature offers creative freedom, while its similarity to popular names like Zayden ensures familiarity. A stylish pick for modern parents.
44. Zelina
Origin: Slavic
Meaning: Sunshine
Description: Zelina (zeh-LEE-nah) beams with cheerful energy, its three sunny syllables evoking warmth and happiness. The name's Slavic roots and radiant meaning create appealing brightness, perfect for a child with a luminous personality.
45. Zylus
Origin: Modern
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zylus (ZY-lus) strides into the future with sleek confidence, its scientific-sounding "-us" ending lending almost futuristic appeal. The name's strong "Z" start and minimalist structure make it a bold, avant-garde choice for forward-thinking parents.
46. Zadie
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Princess
Description: Zadie (ZAY-dee) charms with playful elegance, its bouncy two syllables offering vintage sweetness with modern zing. The name's literary connections (Zadie Smith) add cultured flair, making it perfect for creative families seeking something both spunky and sophisticated.
47. Zorah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dawn
Description: Zorah (ZOR-ah) greets the world with peaceful light, its biblical place-name roots and morning meaning creating serene beauty. The name's soft yet substantial quality makes it ideal for parents who appreciate names that are both spiritual and natural.
48. Zanita
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: God's gift
Description: Zanita (zah-NEE-tah) flows with gentle grace, its three melodic syllables conveying blessed significance. The name's Spanish flair and spiritual meaning create warm appeal, perfect for parents seeking something both meaningful and musical.
49. Zavion
Origin: American
Meaning: Invented name
Description: Zavion (ZAY-vee-on) soars with contemporary cool, its aviation-evoking sound and trendy "-ion" ending creating modern appeal. The name's invented nature offers freshness, while its similarity to Xavier ensures approachability. A high-flying choice for stylish parents.
50. Zakia
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Pure, virtuous
Description: Zakia (ZAH-kee-ah) shines with understated elegance, its three syllables unfolding with quiet dignity. The name's Islamic roots and virtuous meaning create profound beauty, making it a wonderful choice for parents valuing both cultural heritage and moral significance.
