What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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183 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Z

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Zoey	Girl	Eternal Life; Life; To breathe; Alive; To live
Zoe	Girl	Life
Zachary	Boy	Yahweh has remembered; To remember
Zayden	Boy	God; Divinity; Growth
Zara	Girl	Shining; Radiance; God remembers; Glow; Dawn
Zander	Boy	Defender of men
Zayne	Boy	God is gracious; Grace; Beauty
Zaiden	Boy	God; Divinity; Growth
Zariah	Girl	Shining; Radiance; Blooming flower; God is ruler
Zelda	Girl	Blessed; Fortunate; Happy; Grey battle

Zeke	Boy	God strengthens; To strengthen
Zaylee	Girl	Sea strength; Hay clearing
Zyon	Unisex	Heaven; Highest point
Zendaya	Girl	To give thanks; Be thankful
Zaria	Girl	Blooming flower
Zayla	Girl	Azalea flower; Dry; Night; Dark beauty
Zechariah	Boy	The Lord has remembered
Zavier	Boy	The new house
Zoie	Girl	Life
Zola	Girl	Calm; Peaceful; Lump or mound of earth

Zackary	Boy	Yahweh remembers; God has remembered
Zella	Girl	Lacking nothing; Young warrior; Blessed; Happy
Ziggy	Boy	Victory; Peace; Yahweh remembers
Zinnia	Girl	Zinn's flower
Zephaniah	Boy	Yahweh has hidden
Zyla	Unisex	Wood; The cross
Zadie	Girl	Prosperous; Abundance; Fortunate; Princess; Noblewoman
Zylah	Girl	Wood (referring to the Cross); Shade
Zavion	Boy	New house
Zhavia	Girl	Golden one; New house

Zaine	Unisex	Handsome one; Beauty; Radiant
Zyler	Unisex	Tiler of roofs
Zach	Boy	Remembered by God
Zachery	Unisex	Yahweh remembers
Zailey	Unisex	Joyful; Spirited; Charming
Zakary	Unisex	God remembers
Zen	Unisex	Absorption; Meditative state
Zekiel	Boy	God will strengthen
Zac	Boy	God has remembered; God remembers
Zackery	Boy	Yahweh remembers

Zade	Unisex	Son of; To increase
Zaviyar	Boy	Visitor; Pilgrim; The new house
Zayleigh	Unisex	Sea strength; Berry wood; Hay clearing; A heavenly woman
Zya	Unisex	Illuminate; Light
Zaxton	Boy	Son of Jack; Son of man
Zooey	Unisex	Life; Yahweh remembers
Zeppelin	Unisex	From Zeppelin; Airship
Ziyon	Girl	Citadel located in the center of Jerusalem
Zoelle	Unisex	Life
Zak	Boy	Yahweh remembers

Zaylah	Unisex	Dry flower
Zealand	Unisex	Sea land; Soul land; Resembling a seal; Resembling a fjord
Zaniah	Girl	Corner
Zylan	Unisex	Forest dweller; Wood-dweller
Zamirah	Girl	Mind; Heart; Lean; Fit; Nightingale; Sweet voice
Zebulon	Boy	Exalted; Honored
Zeek	Unisex	God will strengthen; To seek
Zemira	Girl	My music; My praise
Zaeden	Boy	Out of the box thinking
Zaydon	Boy	Growth; Increase; God will judge

Ziah	Unisex	Light; Glow; Splendor
Zophia	Unisex	Wisdom
Zaylon	Unisex	Dry
Zuko	Unisex	To regain consciousness, ancestor; Red water; Harmony; Glory
Zenia	Girl	Hospitality; Life of Zeus
Zoella	Girl	Life
Zeth	Unisex	Appointed; Placed
Zoriah	Unisex	Goddess of the dawn
Zianna	Unisex	Downy-bearded
Zurie	Unisex	Beautiful

Zadkiel	Unisex	God is my righteousness
Zayon	Unisex	Furrow
Zaylie	Girl	Nobility; Sea strength; Azalea flower; Berry wood
Ziona	Unisex	Citadel located in the center of Jerusalem
Zyonna	Girl	A Jewish homeland; Heaven
Zamara	Unisex	Locations in Iraq and Russia; Consciencious
Zeniyah	Unisex	Hospitality
Zaelyn	Unisex	Dry
Zyron	Boy	Jewish homeland; Heaven; Place of the cow sheds; Well born
Zyden	Unisex	Growth; Increase

Zhane	Unisex	God is gracious
Zeena	Girl	Life of Zeus; Zeus; Beauty; Adornment
Zania	Unisex	Corner
Zae	Unisex	Beauty; Precious jewel; Fragrant flower; Of Azalea
Zemora	Girl	Praised
Zerenity	Girl	Serenity; Tranquility; Clear; Calm
Zelia	Girl	Eager; Ardent; Heaven
Zebediah	Boy	Gift of Jehovah; Yahweh has bestowed
Zephan	Boy	Yahweh has hidden
Zuzu	Unisex	Lily; Rose; Lotus

Zabella	Unisex	My God is an oath
Zaley	Unisex	Sea strength; Bright; Shining
Zoa	Unisex	Life; Breathe
Zanya	Unisex	Fairy queen; Help; Support; Elegance
Zaylin	Unisex	Fetter; Armor; Weapon
Zale	Boy	Sea-strength; Someone who lives on the other side of the wood
Zedrick	Boy	Loved
Zigmund	Boy	Victory protector
Zeph	Unisex	Yahweh has hidden
Zaniel	Unisex	God is my judge

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Infographic: Unique English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Z

Finding a baby name for your little one can be exciting and challenging. Our infographic below shares the English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Z that are attractive, unique, and versatile. Explore the list to find a name that best reflects your child's hopes, aspirations, and dreams. Share the infographic with fellow parents seeking distinct baby name options for their children.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With Z(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.