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Zaafarani
Zaafarani is long on its own but is also an alternate version of Zephyrine. It has a place among girl names that start with Z and appears in languages like Lebanese, Swahili, and Tanzanian. Zaafarani seems similar to surnames like Zafferani or Zafferoni.
- Origin: Arabic, Kenyan
- Meaning: Saffron
- Pronunciation: Zaa-faa-RAA-Niy
- Variations: Zafarani
- Popularity: Zaafarani is extremely rare worldwide, with just two known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Malaysia.
Unusual, Rare
Zaafira
Zaafira uses a Quranic root and also means “sapphire” as Zafira. It means “triumphant” in honor of Zafira, the wife of the Emir of Algiers in the 16th-century, called “Princess Zaphira.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Victorious, successful
- Pronunciation: Zaa-FIH-raa
- Variations: Zafira
- Popularity: Zaafira is extremely rare worldwide, with just ten known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Malaysia.
Strong, Feminine
Zababa
Zababa brings strength to little girls when meaning “leader,” “head,” and “chief.” Zababa was the god of war in ancient Mesopotamia, but hopefully, your baby girl can keep the peace.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Leader
- Pronunciation: Zaa-BAA-bah
- Popularity: Zababa is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Pakistan.
Mythical, Rare
Zabella
Zabella is an example of a female name that starts with Z, which looks strange and familiar. It’s a Spanish version of Elizabeth based on the Hebrew “elīsheba,” meaning “God is my oath.” Zabella is likely influenced by Zabel, the 13th-century queen of Armenia.
- Origin: Spanish, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: Zaa-BEHL-laa
- Variations: Zabelle
- Popularity: Zabella is very rare worldwide, primarily used in DR Congo, and ranked 1,925th in Armenia in 2014.
Unique, Pretty
Zabrina
Zabrina could be the best spelling for Sabrina, meaning “princess.” It’s also the Latin name for the Severn River in England. Zabrina also means “fruitful desert flower” in Hebrew for your blooming one.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: Zaa-BRIY-naa
- Variations: Sabrina
- Namesakes: Zabrina Douglas, a Canadian stand-up comedian nominated for a Juno Award for Comedy Album of the Year in 2023.
- Popularity: Zabrina is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cool, Feminine
Zaccaria
Zaccaria is another spelling for the Hebrew Zachariah, meaning “Yahweh remembers.” As a surname, Zaccaria was the name of an ancient noble family in Genoa, Italy. It’s often a boy’s name but naturally feels right for upright gals as well.
- Origin: Italian, Hebrew
- Meaning: God remembers
- Pronunciation: Zaa-KAA-riy-Ah
- Variations: Zakariya
- Popularity: Zaccaria is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Italy.
Ancient, Formal
Zada
Like other Arabic Z names for girls, Zada means “fortunate.” It also means “to increase,” “to add,” and “one who gives more.” Zada is a Hebrew form for the male Zadok, meaning “righteous” or “just,” yet means “royalty” and “princess” in Swahili.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Prosperous
- Pronunciation: ZAA-Dah
- Variations: Zadda, Zaddah
- Popularity: Zada is rare worldwide, mostly used in Niger, and ranked 451st in Montenegro in 2014.
Pretty, Cute
Zadie
Zadie means both “prosperous” and “abundance” for your lucky baby girl. It’s also a cool spelling for Sadie, meaning “princess.”
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Abundance
- Pronunciation: ZEY-Diy
- Variations: Zadi
- Namesakes: Zadie Smith, an English novelist known for White Teeth (2000).
- Popularity: Zadie is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Informal, Unique
Zafirah
Zafirah means everything from “triumphant” and “victorious” to “she who wins” in Hebrew and Arabic. It brings all the royal power of the 16th-century Arabic princess Zaphira.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Successful
- Pronunciation: Zaa-FIH-Raa
- Variations: Zafira, Zafeerah
- Popularity: Zafirah is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Malaysia.
Ancient, Strong
Zagorka
In Serbo-Croatian, Zagorka refers to a “person living in the mountains.” It takes shape from the Croatian Zagora, an area known as the hinterland that’s inland from the Dalmatian coast. Zagorka means “beyond the hills” and is also a Bulgarian beer brand made in Stara Zagora.
- Origin: Serbo-Croatian, Slavic
- Meaning: One living in the mountains
- Pronunciation: Zah-GAOR-kah
- Namesakes: Marija Jurić (pen name Zagorka), the first female journalist in Croatia.
- Popularity: Zagorka is rare worldwide, mostly used in Serbia, and ranked 107th in Montenegro in 2014.
Traditional, Uncommon
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Zahara
Zahara, like Zahra, means “most exquisite,” “flowering,” or “shining.” It’s a feminine version of the Arabic Zohar, meaning “radiance,” or an awesome spelling representing the Sahara desert.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Flower
- Pronunciation: Zah-HHAA-raa
- Variations: Zahra
- Namesakes: Zahara Rubin, an Israeli sculptor whose sculpture Dove of Peace was presented to Italian Prime Minister Ciriaco de Mita in 1989. Bulelwa Mkutukana (known as Zahara), a South African musician who won 17 South African Music Awards.
- Popularity: Zahara is rare worldwide, mainly used in Tanzania, and ranked 210th in Niger in 2014.
Feminine, Unique
Zaida
Zaida is the female equivalent of the Arabic Zayd, meaning “prosperous” and “fortunate.” The 11th-century Zaida of Seville was a princess who lived in political turmoil in southern Spain. Zaida is also a Yiddish title for “grandfather.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Prosperous
- Pronunciation: Zaey-Dah
- Variations: Zaidah, Zayda
- Popularity: Zaida is rare worldwide and primarily used in Venezuela, where it ranked 243rd in 2014.
Pretty, Ancient
Zaila
Zaila is one of many Arabic girl names with Z and means “zealous” and “ardent.” In Hebrew, Zaila means “born to royalty,” that’s sometimes swapped for Sarah.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Might, power
- Pronunciation: ZAEY-Lah
- Variations: Zeila
- Namesakes: Zaila Avant-garde, an American speller and the first African-American contestant to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2021. Zaila McCalla, the Chief Justice of Jamaica from 2007 and 2018.
- Popularity: Zaila is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Saudi Arabia.
Strong, Cool
Zailey
Zailey is a uniquely modern spelling of the unisex Bailey. Bailey’s meanings include “berry clearing,” “bailiff,” and “city fortification.” It was first an English surname for a steward, but it is so much more for cute baby girls today.
- Origin: English, American
- Meaning: Unknown
- Pronunciation: ZEY-Liy
- Variations: Zayley, Zalee
- Popularity: Zailey is extremely rare worldwide, with 22 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in Malaysia.
Modern, Cute
Zainab
Zeinab means “beautiful plant” and is associated with the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s relatives, who were called Zaynab. It also means “beauty” in Greek and appears as Zeynep in Turkish and Zeineb in Bosnian. Zeinab stood out among unusual girl names in Michigan not often used.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Fragrant
- Pronunciation: ZEY-Naeb
- Variations: Zaynab
- Namesakes: Zainab Khawla, a member of the Syrian Parliament representing Aleppo. Zeinab Badawi, a Sudanese-British presenter of the ITV Morning News.
- Popularity: Zainab ranked 231st worldwide, is primarily used in Pakistan, and ranked 5th in Iraq in 2014.
Ancient, Traditional
Zaltana
Zaltana is more than a little unusual, even on a list of women’s names that start with Z. Popularity statistics only exist for Zaltana as a rare “Z” surname with Native American origins. The specific tribe is unknown, but Zaltana exists on its own, meaning “high mountain.”
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: High mountain
- Pronunciation: Zaal-TAA-naa
Unique, Rare
Zamara
Zamara means “to sing forth strongly” or “to shout out loud.” It’s even a fun form of the Arabic and Hebrew Samara, meaning “guardian” or “protected by God.”
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Conscientiousness
- Pronunciation: Zaa-MAAR-ah
- Variations: Zamarah
- Popularity: Zamara is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Iran.
Feminine, Uncommon
Zaneta
Zaneta is best known as the Spanish variation of Jane, a medieval form of John, meaning “graced by God.” It’s a less common Russian name based on the French Jeannette.
- Origin: Hebrew, Spanish
- Meaning: God’s gift
- Pronunciation: Saa-NEY-Taa
- Variations: Zaneta
- Namesakes: Zaneta Wyne, an American soccer player for Racing Louisville FC. Zaneta Lowe, an American Chief Consumer Investigator with News Channel 3 in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Popularity: Zaneta is rare worldwide, mainly used in Poland, and ranked 343rd in Armenia in 2014.
Unique, Pretty
Zara
Zara’s meanings include “radiance” in Arabic and “princess” or “to bloom” in Hebrew. Zara is sometimes associated with Sarah, whereas it exists in Bulgaria as a diminutive for Zaharina or Zaharinka.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Blooming flower
- Pronunciation: ZAH-Raa
- Variations: Zahra
- Namesakes: Neşe Yılmaz (known as Zara), a Turkish folk singer and owner of the recording company Ulus Müzik. Zara Nakhimovskaya, a Latvian chess player who won the 1962 Latvian Women’s Chess Championship.
- Popularity: Zara is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in Chad, ranking 6th in 2014.
Traditional, Popular
Zarina
Zarina is based on the Persian “zar,” meaning “golden.” In Bulgarian, Zarina means “ruler” or “tsar,” based on the original Slavic title Tzarina.
- Origin: Persian, Slavic
- Meaning: Golden
- Pronunciation: Zaa-RIY-naa
- Variations: Zareena, Zareinah, Zarinah, Zarinna, Zaryna
- Namesakes: Zarina Gizikova, a retired Russian rhythmic gymnast and the 2002 Russian National All-around champion. Zarina Wahab, an Indian actress known for Gopal Krishna (1979).
- Popularity: Zarina ranked 1,429th worldwide, is mostly used in Pakistan, and ranked 5th in Tajikistan in 2014.
Common, Strong
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Zariya
Zarina is an Arabic name describing all things “beauty and light.” In Hebrew, it means “scattering wind” when based on the Hebrew Azariah, meaning “God has helped.” The alternate spelling of Zaria is also linked with “sunrise” and “dawn.”
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Beauty and light
- Pronunciation: Zah-RIY-ah
- Variations: Zaria
- Popularity: Zariya is rare worldwide and mainly used in India.
Unusual, Uncommon
Zarka
Zarka is often associated with Zarqa, the name of the capital of the Zarqa Governorate in Jordan. There, it means “the blue city” and sometimes “elegant bird” or “crane.” In Slavic culture, Zarka derives from “zora,” meaning “dawn” in honor of Zorja, the goddess of the sunrise.
- Origin: Arabic, Hindi
- Meaning: Blue eye
- Pronunciation: ZAAR-Kah
- Variations: Zarkah, Zarqa
- Popularity: Zarka is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Afghanistan, where it ranked 1,230th in 2014.
Common, Mythical
Zavrina
Zavrina is best known as a form of Sabrina, meaning “princess.” It’s linked to the English Severn River but is unique on a list of names for girls that start with Z.
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: Princess
- Pronunciation: Zaav-RIY-nah
- Variations: Zavrina
- Popularity: Zavrina is extremely rare worldwide, with just seven known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the Philippines.
Modern, Pretty
Zayla
Zayla meanings include “night” and “dark beauty” in Arabic since it’s associated with Layla. Likewise, the Persian “leila” influences this gorgeous name for your dark-haired beauty.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Pronunciation: ZEY-Laa
- Variations: Zaila, Zaylah
- Popularity: Zayla is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Pretty, Uncommon
Zaylee
Zaylee is the female form of the Greek Zayle, meaning “sea strength.” It means “berry wood” or “hay clearing” in Arabic and is a distinctly spelled form of Zailey (for Bailey), meaning “steward” in Old English.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Sea strength
- Pronunciation: ZEY-Liy
- Variations: Zali, Zalie, Zaly, Zayley, Zaylie
- Popularity: Zaylee is extremely rare worldwide, with just ten known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Unusual, Ancient
Zdeslava
Zdeslava uses the root “slav,” meaning “glory.” Its male alternative is Zdeslav, named after a 9th-century Croatian duke. As Zdislava, there’s also Zdislava of Lemberk, a 13th-century Czech saint of the Catholic Church. Though a formal name, Slava and Zdenka are often nicknames for Zdeslava.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Famous here
- Pronunciation: ZDEHS-laa-Vah
- Variations: Zdislava, Zdyslava
- Popularity: Zdeslava is extremely rare worldwide, with just one known occurrence in 2014 in Belarus.
Rare, Formal
Zdravka
Zdravka can mean “health and wellness” as the female form of Zdravko. The South Slavic root “zdrav,” which means “healthy,” comes into play since Zdravka is most popular in Bulgaria.
- Origin: Croatian
- Meaning: Healthy
- Pronunciation: ZDRAAV-kah
- Namesakes: Zdravka Evtimova, a Bulgarian writer known for Blood, 2003. Zdravka Yordanova, a Bulgarian rower and gold medalist at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Zdravka is rare worldwide and mostly used in Bulgaria, ranking 160th in 2014.
Unique, Traditional
Zefira
Zefira sometimes appears as Tzefira in Hebrew, where it means “morning.” It also means “successful” in Arabic, and, as Zephyra, it means “west wind” in Greek. Some also consider Sefira a variant of the Greek Sapphira, meaning “sapphire.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Crown
- Pronunciation: Zeh-FIHR-aa
- Variations: Zafira
- Namesakes: Zefira Valova, a Bulgarian violinist and Classic FM Radio Orchestra concertmaster from 2003 to 2008.
- Popularity: Zefira is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Brazil.
Feminine, Rare
Zelaina
In Greek, Zelaina means “the moon,” as a Z variant for Selena. It still derives from the Greek “sélas,” meaning “bright,” and is inspired by Selena, the Greek goddess of the moon.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: The moon
- Pronunciation: Zeh-LEY-naa
- Variations: Zelayna
- Popularity: Zelaina is extremely rare worldwide, with just two known occurrences in 2014, in Brazil.
Pretty, Rare
Zelda
Zelda originated as a nickname for Griselda, from the Old German “grisja hilda,” meaning “gray battle-maid.” It’s also the female form of Selig, meaning “blessed” and “happy.” Zelda is probably most famous for The Legend of Zelda video game.
- Origin: German, Yiddish
- Meaning: Strong woman
- Pronunciation: ZEHL-Dah
- Variations: Zeldah, Zellda
- Namesakes: Zelda Fitzgerald, an American novelist married to writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. Zelda Tinska, a Serbian actress appearing in The Beach (2000).
- Popularity: Zelda is rare worldwide, primarily used in South Africa, and ranked 664th in Namibia in 2014.
Strong, Cool
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Zeledonia
Zeledonia is part of the scientific name Zeledonia Coronata, given to a swallow bird native to Costa Rica. It originated in Greece and is hardly around today outside the bird world.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Swallow
- Pronunciation: Sehl-eh-DOW-niy-Ah
- Variations: Celedonia
- Popularity: Zeledonia is extremely rare worldwide, with 81 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Nicaragua.
Formal, Unique
Zelenya
Zelenya represents the Russian spelling of Zelenia, a form of Selena. Zelenya also means “the moon” in honor of the ancient Greek moon goddess but with a more Russian pronunciation.
- Origin: Russian, Greek
- Meaning: The moon
- Pronunciation: Zeh-LEHN-yaa
- Variations: Zelenia
- Popularity: Zelenya is extremely rare worldwide, with just one known occurrence in 2014, in Russia.
Unusual, Rare
Zeline
Zeline is a sophisticated French alternative to Solange, meaning “solemn” and “dignified.” It may also be a derivative of Zelia, based on the French Solenne, meaning “solemn.”
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Solemn
- Pronunciation: Zeh-LEEYN
- Variations: Zelina
- Popularity: Zeline is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Unique, Modern
Zella
Zella is a cute diminutive for the Slavic Zala, meaning “beautiful girl.” In the African Bobangi culture, Zella means “lacking nothing” and “one who knows the path,” while meaning “shadow” in Hebrew.
- Origin: African, Hebrew
- Meaning: Happy, blessed
- Pronunciation: ZEH-Laa
- Variations: Zela, Zellah
- Namesakes: Zella Lehr, an American singer known for her cover of Dolly Parton’s Two Doors Down. Zella Day, an American singer/songwriter known for the album Powered by Love (2009).
- Popularity: Zella is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Cute, Uncommon
Zemirah
Zemirah is an ancient unisex name meaning “joyous melody.” It’s named after a biblical character who was a son of Becher and grandson of Benjamin. Zemirah comes from the Hebrew “zamar,” meaning “to prune” or “to praise.” Representing a “song,” Zemirah is now more often used for girls.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Song
- Pronunciation: Zeh-MIY-raa
- Variations: Zemira
- Popularity: Zemirah is extremely rare worldwide, with 25 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Ancient, Rare
Zen
Zen is more of a concept than a name, first a Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese “chán,” originally the Sanskrit “dhyāna.” Zen is known as a primarily Japanese Mahayana Buddhism that focuses on meditation. It’s perfectly unisex to give your little girl a sense of peace and calm that’ll last.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Meditation
- Variations: Zen
- Namesakes: Zen Gesner, an American actor known for the series The Adventures of Sinbad. Zen Luzniak, an American soccer player with the U.S. soccer team.
- Popularity: Zen is rare worldwide, mainly used in Myanmar, and ranked 130th in Hong Kong in 2014.
Modern, Unusual
Zena
In Greek mythology, Zena was a goddess who symbolized love and fertility. It’s linked to the Arabic Zeina, meaning “beautiful” or “graceful.” In Hebrew, Zena means “to shine” or “to radiate,” but it’s also the Persian word for a “woman.”
- Origin: Greek, Slavic
- Meaning: Born of Zeus
- Pronunciation: ZIY-Naa
- Variations: Zenah
- Namesakes: Zena Tsarfin, an American journalist and managing editor of Cracked. Zena Marshall, a British actress appearing in Caesar and Cleopatra (1945).
- Popularity: Zena is rare worldwide and primarily used in Tanzania, where it ranked 184th in 2014.
Mythical, Feminine
Zenabu
Zenabu is a distinctly Swahili name meaning “beautiful.” It appears in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and East Africa. Though similar looking, Zenabu doesn’t have the same meaning as Zenobia.
- Origin: African, Swahili
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Pronunciation: Zaey-NAH-buw
- Variations: Zaynabu
- Popularity: Zenabu is rare worldwide and mostly used in Ghana, ranking 704th in 2014.
Traditional, Uncommon
Zénaïde
Zénaïde is the French form of Zenaida and means “life of Zeus” and “god-like.” Zénaïde also means “ground dove” in Latin.
- Origin: Russian, Greek
- Meaning: Belonging to Zeus
- Pronunciation: ZEE-naeyd
- Variations: Zinaida
- Namesakes: Zénaïde Bonaparte, the elder daughter of Joseph Bonaparte and niece to Napoleon Bonaparte. Zénaïde Rossi, an actress known for Day for Night (1973).
- Popularity: Zénaïde is rare worldwide, mostly used in Brazil, and ranked 653rd in São Tomé and Príncipe in 2014.
Mythical, Unique
Zendaya
Zendaya’s roots are mostly Zimbabwean and Zambian, and uses the Shona language spoken there. It’s a variation for Tendai, meaning “to give thanks to God.” It also means “be thankful to God” when taken from “tenda,” meaning “to thank.”
- Origin: African
- Meaning: To give thanks
- Pronunciation: Zen-DAEY-ah
- Namesakes: Zendaya, an American singer named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022 by Time Magazine.
- Popularity: Zendaya is extremely rare worldwide, with 62 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in India.
Pretty, Unusual
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Zendra
Like other Greek girl names that start with Z, Zenda means “life of Zeus.” It relates to the Greek Zenobia as a possible short form of this ancient name.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Life of Zeus
- Pronunciation: ZEHN-drah
- Popularity: Zendra is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Indonesia.
Informal, Ancient
Zenifer
Zenifer is an edgy form of Jennifer or Jenifer, meaning “soft” and “fair one.” Jenifer itself derives from the Welsh Gwynnever that traveled a long way to this wholly contemporary name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Fair one
- Pronunciation: ZEHN-ih-Fer
- Variations: Jenifer
- Popularity: Zenifer is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Kuwait.
Modern, Unique
Zenovia
Zenovia is interchangeable with the Greek Zenobia, meaning “born of Zeus.” It’s based on the Greek “zēnós,” meaning “of Zeus,” and “bíos,” meaning “life.” Zenobia is most impressive as the 3rd-century queen of the Palmyrene Empire in Syria.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Life of Zeus
- Pronunciation: Zeh-NOW-viy-Yaa
- Variations: Zenobia
- Namesakes: Zenovia Andrews, an American writer known for MaxOUT: I Want It All.
- Popularity: Zenovia is rare worldwide, mainly used in Peru, and ranked 637th in Cyprus in 2014.
Ancient, Strong
Zenzile
Zenzile means “you’re responsible for what you’ve become” in the Zulu language. It’s based on “uzenzile,” meaning “you brought this upon yourself,” a similar sentiment for a responsible little girl.
- Origin: African, Zulu
- Meaning: You’re responsible for what you become
- Variations: ZEHN-zeel
- Namesakes: Zenzile Miriam Makeba (known as Mama Africa), a South African singer and advocate against apartheid.
- Popularity: Zenzale is rare worldwide and primarily used in South Africa, where it ranked 1,106th in 2014.
Unique, Rare
Zepharina
Zepharina may simply be a cool example of a female name that starts with Z to replace Sefarina. It also means “west wind” when inspired by “zephyr” and is considered a Spanish spelling.
- Origin: Greek, Spanish
- Meaning: Gentle wind
- Pronunciation: Zeph-ih-REEYN-ah
- Variations: Zephirina
- Popularity: Zepharina is extremely rare worldwide, with just two known occurrences in 2014, in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Feminine, Rare
Zephyr
Zephyr refers to the “west wind,” controlled by the Greek god Zephyrus. He’s known as a messenger of spring whenever his gentle wind might blow your way.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: West wind
- Pronunciation: ZEHF-ehr
- Variations: Zefyr
- Namesakes: Zephyr Moore Ramsey, an American lawyer and one of the first black women admitted to the bar in California. Zephyr Wright, an African-American civil rights activist and personal chef for President Lyndon Johnson.
- Popularity: Zephyr is rare worldwide and mainly used in Israel, ranking 1,900th in 2014.
Strong, Cool
Zeppelina
Zeppelina means “born during a beautiful storm,” though its origins are unclear. It’s definitely linked to Zeppelin, originally the surname of Ferdinand von Zeppelin, inventor of the Zeppelin airships. There’s even a band called Led Zeppelin, a Led Zeppelin cover band made up entirely of ladies.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Born during a beautiful storm
- Pronunciation: Zeh-pih-LIY-Nah
- Variations: Zepeleena, Zepelina, Zeppeleena, Zeppelyna
- Popularity: Zeppelina is extremely rare worldwide, with just two known occurrences in 2014, in Russia and South Africa.
Formal, Unusual
Zeresh
Zeresh is one of many Z names for girls originating in the Bible. It means “misery,” “strange,” and “dispersed inheritance.” Zeresh is associated with the wife of Haman in the Book of Esther, who told her husband to destroy Mordecai.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Misery, strange
- Pronunciation: ZEH-resh
- Popularity: Zeresh is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the Philippines, and ranked 838th in Burundi in 2014.
Ancient, Unusual
Zerlina
Zerlina means “beautiful dawn” in Arabic, where it’s the female form of Zerlin. Zerlina’s most famous namesake is a character in Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni.
- Origin: Arabic, Spanish
- Meaning: Beautiful dawn
- Pronunciation: Zer-LIY-nah
- Variations: Zerleana, Zerleena, Zerlinah, Zerlyna
- Namesakes: Zerlina Maxwell, the American director of Progressive Programming for SiriusXM.
- Popularity: Zerlina is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Unique, Pretty
Zeruiah
Zeruiah also means “pain” and “tribulation” when based on the Hebrew “tzori,” meaning “balm” and “salve.” In the Old Testament, Zeruiah was the sister of King David and the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Perfumed
- Pronunciation: Zeh-RUW-yaa
- Popularity: Zeruiah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Israel.
Ancient, Uncommon
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Zhade
Zade is a stand-out variation on Jade, taken from “piedra de la ijada,” meaning “stone of the side.” Lesser known is Zhade’s Jamaican origins, where it means “princess of the African violet.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Precious stone
- Pronunciation: ZAAYD
- Variations: Zade
- Popularity: Zhade is very rare worldwide and primarily used in China.
Unusual, Modern
Zhaklina
Zhaklina is the Bulgarian equivalent of Jacqueline, though it also appears in other Slavic countries like Poland and Macedonia. Like thousands of names, Zhaklina is related to Jack and John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Origin: Bulgarian, Slavic
- Meaning: May God protect
- Pronunciation: Zaak-LEEN-ah
- Variations: Žaklina
- Namesakes: Zhaklina Dhimojani, an Albanian actress known for Mimoza llastica (1973). Zhaklina Spencer, an American singer known for the album 17 Reasons Why (2019).
- Popularity: Zhaklina is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Bulgaria, ranking 1,842nd in 2014.
Feminine, Traditional
Zhandra
Zhandra is an extra-special version of Sandra and is more old-world than Zandra. All variations mean “man’s defender,” as a Greek diminutive for Alexandra, now used in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Man’s defender
- Pronunciation: ZANN-drah
- Variations: Zandra, Xandra
- Namesakes: Zhandra Rodríguez, a Venezuelan ballet dancer and director of the New World Ballet of Caracas. Zhandra De Abreu, a Venezuelan actress appearing in Jane the Virgin (2002).
- Popularity: Zhandra is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Venezuela.
Strong, Cool
Ziata
Ziata is a variant of the Arabic Ziyada, meaning “increase.” It may refer to the vision of God found in the Islamic afterlife. Ziata is also the name of a wine company in California’s Napa Valley.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: To increase
- Pronunciation: Ziy-AH-tah
- Variations: Zeata, Ziatah
- Popularity: Ziata is extremely rare worldwide, with 42 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Unique, Pretty
Ziazan
Ziazan is the Armenian word for “rainbow” with no other meanings or origins. It’s also a protagonist in a 2014 film about a girl who takes part in an accidental adventure to Turkey.
- Origin: Armenian
- Meaning: Rainbow
- Pronunciation: ZAEY-ah-Zaan
- Popularity: Ziazan is extremely rare worldwide, with just five known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Unique, Rare
Zibia
Zibia means “a gazelle” or “doe” in Hebrew. It originally appeared as Zibiah from the Hebrew Ṣīḇəyā. In the Bible, she was the consort of King Ahaziah of Judah and the mother of King Jehoash.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Female deer
- Pronunciation: ZIH-bee-Ah
- Variations: Zibiah
- Namesakes: Zíbia, Gasparetto, a Brazilian spiritualist writer known for Overcoming the Past (2008).
- Popularity: Zibia is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Brazil.
Ancient, Cute
Zifira
Zifira means “morning” in Hebrew but is often mistaken for the Arabic Zafira, meaning “successful.” It also appears as Tsefira in Russia when relating to the title of Tsarina.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Morning
- Pronunciation: Ziy-FEER-ah
- Variations: Zefira
- Popularity: Zifira is extremely rare worldwide, with 27 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Russia.
Unusual, Rare
Zilla
Zilla means “shade” or “shadow” when taken from the Hebrew “tzel.” It was the name for one of Lamech’s wives in the Bible, which experienced a revival with the Puritans.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Shadow
- Pronunciation: SIH-Laa
- Popularity: Zilla is very rare worldwide, mostly used in Niger, and ranked 1,943rd in Jamaica in 2014.
Ancient, Unique
Zilpah
Zilpah means “frailty” when based on the Hebrew “zalaph,” meaning “to drip or sprinkle.” In the Old Testament, Zilpah was a handmaid offered to Jacob by Leah, who bore two sons, Gad and Asher. It also means “distillation from the mouth.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Frailty
- Pronunciation: ZIHL-Pah
- Variations: Zilpha, Zilpa, Zilphah, Zylpa, Zylpah
- Namesakes: Zilpah Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet and mother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
- Popularity: Zilpah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Nigeria.
Unusual, Uncommon
Zimra
Zimra also means “song of praise” in Hebrew and Arabic. It more commonly appears as part of the Israeli surname Ben Zimra.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Object of praise
- Pronunciation: ZIHM-raa
- Variations: Zimrah
- Popularity: Zimra is extremely rare worldwide, with 84 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Feminine, Rare
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Zinnia
Zinnia is a flower named after a German botanist, Johann Zinn. The Zinnia flower is known for its bright colors that are super attractive to butterflies. Zinnia is also the name of a character in the Pokémon series.
- Origin: German, Latin
- Meaning: Zinn’s flower
- Pronunciation: ZIHN-iy-Ah
- Variations: Zinnya, Zinia
- Popularity: Zinnia is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Bangladesh.
Pretty, Unique
Zion
Zion is one of 70 names for Jerusalem in Hebrew and refers to the “promised land.” It sometimes refers to “a sign” or any “excellent” thing, ideal for your perfect little lady.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Highest point
- Pronunciation: ZIE-aan
- Variations: Zione, Zyon
- Namesakes: Zión Moreno, an American actress appearing in the Netflix series Control Z. Zion Lights, a British author and a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion UK.
- Popularity: Zion is rare worldwide, primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 524th in Israel in 2014.
Strong, Traditional
Zipporah
Zipporah comes from the Hebrew “tsippor,” meaning “bird.” In the Bible, Zipporah is the wife of Moses. It also relates to Tzipporah but is like no other among girl names with Z.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Bird
- Pronunciation: Zipp-AOW-rah
- Variations: Zippora, Zypporah
- Popularity: Zipporah is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Kenya.
Formal, Ancient
Ziprah
Ziprah is an offbeat nickname for the biblical Hebrew Zipporah, the wife of Moses in the Bible. It may mean “bird,” but it’s so rare it’s hard to know if Ziprah has any other hidden meanings.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Bird
- Pronunciation: ZIPP-raah
- Variations: Zipporah
- Popularity: Ziprah is extremely rare worldwide, with just one known occurrence in 2014, in Cameroon.
Informal, Rare
Zissy
Zissy is a fun diminutive of the Yiddish Zisel, meaning “sweet.” Some see Zissy as a more interesting example of women’s names that start with Z than the original. In this case, Zissy replaces Sissy, a diminutive for Cecila, Frances, or Priscilla, or a pet name for a sister.
- Origin: Yiddish
- Meaning: Little sweet one
- Pronunciation: ZIHS-Siy
- Variations: Sissy
- Namesakes: Zissy Yared, a Filipino YouTuber known for animation memes and Friday Night Funkin’ singing battle videos.
- Popularity: Zissy is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Cute, Informal
Zita
Zita relates to the Italian “zitta,” meaning “young girl,” and is also the Hungarian nickname for Felicita. Vita is also associated with the 13th-century Tuscan patron saint of homemakers.
- Origin: Spanish, Greek
- Meaning: Little hope
- Pronunciation: ZIY-Taa
- Variations: Zeeta, Zeita, Zitah, Zytah
- Namesakes: Zita Okaikoi, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2013 to 2017. Zita Sattar, an English actress known for the series Casualty (2001 to 2003).
- Popularity: Zita is rare worldwide, primarily used in Hungary, and ranked 27th in Lithuania in 2014.
Cute, Unique
Ziva
Ziva is a Slavic word that symbolizes everything “alive” and “living.” It’s also the Slavic goddess of love, life, and fertility, meaning “radiance” or “light of God” in Hebrew.
- Origin: Slavic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Alive
- Pronunciation: Ziy-Vaa
- Variations: Zivah, Zhiva, Zeeva, Zeva
- Popularity: Ziva is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Pretty, Uncommon
Zivka
Zivka derives from the Slavic “zivŭ,” meaning “alive” and “lively.” It’s typically a Slavic nickname for Zivanka but is adorable all on its own.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Full of life
- Pronunciation: ZIHV-Kah
- Variations: Zivkah
- Popularity: Zivka is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Austria, where it ranked 1,519th in 2014.
Traditional, Unique
Ziwa
Ziwa is best known as a name from the Senga tribe of Zambia, meaning “to be competent.” It’s an Aramaic word meaning “radiance” and “splendor” and was a title for divine beings in the ancient religion of Manichaeism.
- Origin: African, Senga
- Meaning: Lake, pond
- Pronunciation: Zih-WAH
- Variations: Ziwah, Zywa, Zywah
- Popularity: Ziwa is very rare worldwide and primarily used in China.
Unusual, Rare
Zlata
Zlata is based on the Slavic “zlató,” meaning “gold,” but can mean “yellow,” “gleam,” and “to shine.” It dates back to the Persian “zar,” meaning “gold,” commonly found throughout many Balkan countries.
- Origin: Slavic, Serbo-Croatian
- Meaning: Golden
- Pronunciation: ZLAA-Tah
- Variations: Zlatah, Zlatta, Zlattah
- Namesakes: Zlata Kolarić-Kišur, a Croatian writer known for Moja Zlatna Dolina (My Golden Valley) in 1972. Zlata Adamovská, a Czech actress known for the series Sanitka.
- Popularity: Zlata is rare worldwide, mostly used in Russia, and ranked 128th in Croatia in 2014.
Traditional, Popular
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Zlatka
Zlatka is a mostly Bulgarian and Czechoslovakian version of Zlata, from the Slavic “zlato,” meaning “gold.” It also means “marten” in Bulgarian, but is ready all the same for your golden girl.
- Origin: Bulgarian, Slavic
- Meaning: Golden
- Pronunciation: ZLAAT-Kaa
- Variations: Zlatkah
- Namesakes: Zlatka Gaberova, a Bulgarian footballer for the Bulgaria women’s national team. Zlatka Georgieva, a Bulgarian sprinter and bronze medalist at the 1996 European Indoor Championships.
- Popularity: Zlatka is rare worldwide and mainly used in Bulgaria, ranking 76th in 2014.
Pretty, Common
Zo
Zo is used on its own in multiple African countries, especially Madagascar. The Zo people are an ethnic clan living in India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Zo could be an even shorter form of Zoe, meaning “life,” or any number of names for girls that start with Z.
- Origin: African
- Meaning: Spiritual leader
- Pronunciation: ZOW
- Variations: Zoe
- Popularity: Zo is rare worldwide and primarily used in Madagascar, where it ranked 11th in 2014.
Unusual, Uncommon
Zoe
Zoe is the Greek variation for Eve and has ranked in the top 100 U.S. girls’ names since 2000. Zoe is associated with the idea of eternal life, a terrific place for your baby girl to start out.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: ZOW-iy
- Variations: Zoey, Zoie
- Namesakes: Zoe Ball, a British radio host of the BBC’s Radio 1 Breakfast. Zoë Saldaña, an American-Dominican actress known for the Avatar films.
- Popularity: Zoe is rare worldwide, primarily used in England, and ranked 38th for girls in the U.S. in 2022.
Modern, Common
Zoella
Zoella is the most trendy of girl names that start with Z. It’s a modern combination of Zoe, meaning “life,” and Ella, meaning “girl.” It’s also related to the Italian Zola and Zoela, meaning “lump of earth.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Life/girl
- Pronunciation: Zow-EHL-laa
- Namesakes: Zoë Sugg (known as Zoella), an English media personality and author of Girl Online.
- Popularity: Zoella is extremely rare worldwide, with 78 known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Modern, Feminine
Zofia
Zofia derives from the Greek Sophia, a title for an early Christian martyr, Saint Sophia of Rome. Zofia represents the traditional Polish spelling for Sophia, which can also appear as Sosia for your wise baby girl.
- Origin: Slavic, Greek
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: Zow-FIY-aa
- Variations: Zosia
- Namesakes: Zofia Nowakowska, a Polish singer and dubbing artist for The Lion King (2019). Zofia Grabczan, a Polish member of the Sejm from 2005 to 2007.
- Popularity: Zofia is rare worldwide and primarily used in Poland, ranking 135th in 2014.
Pretty, Traditional
Zoha
Zoha has Arabic origins and denotes “morning light” and “the first ray of sunlight in the dawn.” It also means “early morning luminance,” which makes Zoha perfect if your baby girl is born during the AM hours.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Light, morning
- Pronunciation: ZOW-haa
- Variations: Zuha
- Namesakes: Zoha Rahman, a British-Pakistani actress appearing in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
- Popularity: Zoha is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Bangladesh.
Ancient, Uncommon
Zola
Zola means “ball of earth” in Latin but appears in the Zulu language of South Africa, meaning “peaceful” or “calm.” Zola is also an Italian surname based on various locales called Zol(l)a and means “mound of earth.”
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Earth
- Pronunciation: Zow-Laa
- Variations: Zoela, Zolah
- Namesakes: Nika Danilova (known as Zola Jesus), an American musician known for The Spoils (2009). Zola Budd, a South African runner who competed at the 1984 Olympic Games.
- Popularity: Zola is rare worldwide, mainly used in South Africa, and ranked 377th in Angola in 2014.
Unusual, Cute
Zora
Zora means “dawn” and “aurora” in Slavic and “hornet” in Hebrew. Its meaning centers around “light” and “dawn” in multiple Slavic countries. Zora is a Kainji language found in Nigeria, but, as a name, it may feel foreign but is super accessible.
- Origin: Arabic, Slavic
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: ZAOR-ah
- Variations: Zorah, Zorra, Zorrah
- Namesakes: Zora Simčáková, a Slovak cross-country skier who competed at the 1992 Winter Olympics. Zora Kostková, a Czech actress awarded the 2005 Vendelín Budil Prize.
- Popularity: Zora is rare worldwide, primarily used in Serbia, and ranked 61st in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014.
Feminine, Common
Zorada
Zorada is an unexpected alternative to the Hebrew Zorah, which still means “dawn.” It’s sometimes mistaken for Zoraida, a Spanish-Arabic name meaning “well-spoken” or “articulate.”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: Zaor-AH-daa
- Popularity: Zorada is extremely rare worldwide, with 49 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Unusual, Rare
Zorana
Zorana can refer to “one who rises at dawn” and seems inspired by the Slavic goddess of dawn called Zorya. Zorana is a Peruvian favorite, but since it’s so rare, it only appears to be used twice a year.
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: Zow-RAA-naa
- Variations: Zora
- Namesakes: Zorana Mihajlović, the deputy prime minister of Serbia from 2014 to 2022. Zorana Pavic, a Serbian actress known for Nasih 30 (2018).
- Popularity: Zorana is extremely rare, with just two known occurrences in 2014, in Peru.
Mythical, Feminine
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Zoraya
Zoraya is one of many Slavic female names that start with Z, and a strong Arabic variant for Soraya, meaning “rich.” In Slavic culture, it and other names are inspired by Zorya, a personification of dawn called “The Red Maiden.”
- Origin: Slavic
- Meaning: Dawn
- Variations: Zora
- Pronunciation: Zaor-AEY-ah
- Popularity: Zoraya is rare worldwide, mainly used in Venezuela, and ranked 1,653rd in Ecuador in 2014.
Feminine, Formal
Zorianna
Zorianna is a version of Zora, meaning “dawn” in Hebrew. It’s also related to the Slavic Zoria, meaning “morning star” or “dawn.” In Slavic mythology, Zorja is the name for the goddesses who represent the morning and evening stars. Zorianna is typically used in Ukraine, Russia, and Eastern European countries.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: Zaor-iy-AHN-aa
- Variations: Zoriana
- Namesakes: Zorianna Kit, a Canadian journalist for the PBS show Just Seen It (2011).
- Popularity: Zorianna is extremely rare worldwide, with 47 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Rare, Feminine
Zorica
Zorica comes from the Latin Aurora and is also a Slavic diminutive for Zora. It perhaps translates to “little dawn” to symbolize Aurora, the goddess of dawn in Roman mythology. For much of Slavic culture, Zorica is pronounced ZAOR-itz-Ah.
- Origin: Slavic, Latin
- Meaning: Dawn
- Pronunciation: ZAOR-ih-Kah
- Namesakes: Zorica Pavićević, a Yugoslav handball player and gold medalist at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Zorica, a 14th-century Serbian princess and the daughter of King Stefan Milutin and Queen Elizabeth of Hungary.
- Popularity: Zorica is rare worldwide and mainly used in Serbia, where it ranked 13th in 2014.
Cute, Mythical
Zorinka
Zorinka sometimes appears as the Croatian surname Zrinka, meaning “from Zrin.” It means “little star” in Russian, perhaps related to Zvezda, meaning “star.”
- Origin: Russian
- Meaning: Little star
- Pronunciation: Zoh-RINK-ah
- Variations: Zrinka
- Popularity: Zorinka is extremely rare worldwide, with 90 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Serbia.
Traditional, Cute
Zosia
Zosia is an elegant diminutive for the traditional Polish spelling of Zofia, for Sofia. Sophia means “woman of wisdom” in Greek and is currently super popular in the U.S.
- Origin: Polish
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: ZOW-szhaa
- Variations: Zofia
- Namesakes: Zosia Karbowiak, a Polish singer-songwriter appearing on the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest. Gila Golan (born Zosia Zawadzka), an Israeli model, was crowned Israel’s Maiden of Beauty in 1960.
- Popularity: Zosia is rare worldwide and primarily used in Poland, ranking 258th in 2014.
Pretty, Unusual
Zoya
Zoya mostly appears in Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria as a version of Zoe. It also means “life force” in Greek and is a more feminine alternative to Zoe for your little one.
- Origin: Bulgarian, Greek
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: ZOEY-Ah
- Namesakes: Zoya Ivanova, a Kazakh runner who competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Zoya Pirzad, an Iranian-Armenian writer who won the 2002 Houshang Golshiri Literary Award.
- Popularity: Zoya is rare worldwide, mostly used in Russia, and ranked 150th in Belarus in 2014.
Cool, Mythical
Zsazsa
Zsazsa is a Hungarian name based on Elizabeth, meaning “God’s promise.” It’s also associated with Susanna, meaning “lily” or “rose.” We may never have known this name without Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor.
- Origin: Hungarian, Slavic
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: ZHAA-Zhaa
- Variations: Zaza
- Namesakes: Zsa Zsa Gabor, a Hungarian-American actress known for Moulin Rouge (1952). Jelena Žnidarić (known as Zsa Zsa), a Croatian singer who participated in the show X Factor Adria.
- Popularity: Zsazsa is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Unusual, Rare
Zshakira
Zshakira is an extra-special version of Shakira, meaning “grateful” in Arabic. It derives from “shakara,” meaning “to thank,” and is famous in its original form because of Colombian singer Shakira.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Grateful
- Pronunciation: Zshah-KEER-ah
- Variations: Shakirah
- Popularity: Zshakira is extremely rare worldwide, with just 16 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in the U.S.
Pretty, Modern
Zuba
Zuba is a diminutive for the Hebrew Azubah, meaning “desolation.” In the Bible, Azubah was the wife of King Asa and mother to King Jehoshaphat of Israel. Zuba also means “precious” and “flower” in Arabic.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Assisted
- Pronunciation: ZUW-Bah
- Popularity: Zuba is very rare worldwide and mostly used in India.
Ancient, Unique
Zuill
Zuill is the oddest of Z names for girls and has Scottish origins. It supposedly means “born at Christmas,” based on the idea of Yule. Oddly or not, Zuill is an awesome choice for your holiday baby girl (or boy).
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: Born at Christmas
- Pronunciation: ZUEYL
- Popularity: Zuill is extremely rare worldwide, with just six known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Unusual, Rare
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Zula
Zula is an African name possibly inspired by the Zulu people. Others believe it to be a pet name for Susanna when based on the Arabic “zul,” meaning “shadow.” Zula also means “hanging” or “suspended” in Hebrew and is a Norse diminutive for Zuzanna.
- Origin: African, Zulu
- Meaning: Brilliant, ahead
- Pronunciation: ZUW-Laa
- Variations: Zulah, Zulla, Zullah
- Namesakes: Zula Pogorzelska, a Polish cabaret actress and the Polish performer to dance the Charleston on stage in 1926. Zula Brown Toole, an American newspaper publisher who founded the Miller County Liberal in 1897.
- Popularity: Zula is rare worldwide, primarily used in Uganda, and ranked 971st in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014.
Strong, Feminine
Zuleika
Zuleika derives from the Persian Zulaykha, meaning “brilliant one” and “brilliantly fair.” It means “well-born” in Egyptian and was the name of Potiphar’s wife in Jewish and Muslim biblical scripture.
- Origin: Arabic, Persian
- Meaning: Brilliant beauty
- Pronunciation: Zuw-LEY-Kah
- Variations: Zuleikha, Zuleyka, Zuleykha
- Namesakes: Zuleika Fuentes, a Puerto Rican handball player who competed at the 2015 World Women’s Handball Championship. Zuleikha Robinson, a British actress appearing in the series Law & Order: SVU.
- Popularity: Zuleika is rare worldwide, primarily used in Brazil, and ranked 215th in Panama in 2014.
Ancient, Formal
Zuleyma
Zuleyma is an offshoot of the Arabic Zulema, based on Salome. In both Arabic and Hebrew, Salome means “peace” and “tranquil.” Salome was the biblical granddaughter of Herod the Great, who requested John the Baptist’s head.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Peace
- Pronunciation: ZUWL-iy-Mah
- Variations: Zulima, Zuleima, Zulema
- Namesakes: Elvia Alonso (ring name Zuleyma), a Mexican wrestler and the first WWA World Women’s Champion in 1989.
- Popularity: Zuleyma is rare worldwide, mainly used in Mexico, and ranked 534th in El Salvador in 2014.
Pretty, Traditional
Zulma
Zulma may have been inspired by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, deriving from the Hebrew “shâlôm.” In Hebrew, Zulma means “peace,” “completeness,” “safety,” “health,” and “prosperity” for your baby girl.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Peace
- Pronunciation: ZUWL-Mah
- Variations: Zulmah
- Namesakes: Zulma Hernández, a Mexican footballer for the Mexico women’s national team. Zulma Yugar, the Minister of Culture for Chile since 2010.
- Popularity: Zulma is rare worldwide and primarily used in Puerto Rico, where it ranked 6th in 2014.
Cute, Common
Zuni
Zuni means “beauty” and originates in the Native American tribe based in the Zuni River Valley of New Mexico. Their tribal name is Shi’wi, meaning “the flesh,” yet they were called Zuni by the Spanish populations there.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: Beauty
- Pronunciation: ZUW-Niy
- Variations: Zuney, Zunie, Zuny
- Popularity: Zuni is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 1,246th in Paraguay in 2014.
Cute, Ancient
Zuri
Zuri originates in the Swahili-Kiswahili language, meaning “good” and “bright.” It has ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. girls’ names since 2010 and in the top 300 since 2018. Zuri has found a new life among girl names with Z, with African-American girls. It ranked in the top five girls’ names in the state of Virginia in 2022.
- Origin: African, Swahili
- Meaning: Beautiful
- Pronunciation: ZUW-Riy
- Variations: Zury
- Namesakes: Zuri Hall, an American entertainment reporter for Access Hollywood on NBC. Zuri Tibby, an American model and the first black spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret PINK.
- Popularity: Zuri is rare worldwide, mainly used in Mexico, and ranked 1,658th in Georgia in 2014.
Pretty, Unique
Zuzana
Zuzana is a Slavic form of Susanna partially popular in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. All the variations derive from the Hebrew Shoshana, meaning “lilly,” and uses Suzanka as a diminutive.
- Origin: Slavic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Lily
- Pronunciation: ZUW-Riy
- Variations: Zuzanna
- Namesakes: Zuzana Brzobohatá, a Czech member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2014. Zuzana Tlučková, a Slovak comedian appearing on the show Telecvoking (1996 to 1999).
- Popularity: Zuzana is uncommon worldwide, primarily used in Tanzania, and ranked 17th in North Macedonia in 2014.
Traditional, Popular
Zwena
Zwena is one of the only women’s names starting with Z, which has a W too. It’s a derivative of Zuwena, a Swahili name meaning “good.”
- Origin: African, Swahili
- Meaning: Good
- Pronunciation: ZWEHN-ah
- Variations: Zuwena
- Popularity: Zwena is extremely rare worldwide, with 55 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in DR Congo.
Pretty, Rare
Zyanya
Zyanya is based on the Zapotec traditions of a native pre-Columbian civilization in Oaxaca, Mexico. Zyanya was a somewhat mythic Aztec princess and the focus of the book Aztec by Gary Jennings.
- Origin: Mexican, Aztec
- Meaning: Forever, always
- Pronunciation: Ziy-AHN-yaa
- Popularity: Zyanya is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Mexico.
Ancient, Mythical
Zyva
Zyva has many meanings in Arabic, including “radiance” and “splendor.” It sometimes points to the “opposite of darkness” and is a Hebrew variation for Ziv, meaning “light of God.” Like many names for girls that start with Z, Zyva is based on mythology. Appearing as Zhiva, it’s the name for the mother goddess of an ancient Germanic Slav tribe.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Brightness
- Pronunciation: ZIHV-Ah
- Variations: Ziva, Zivah, Zhiva, Zyvah
- Popularity: Zyva is extremely rare worldwide, with just six known occurrences in 2014, primarily in Brazil.
Rare, Cute
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