Polish Names that Start With Z

This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls.

Zenon is a relative of Zeno, which is a form of Zeus, used in both ancient Greece and modern Poland. With the new rise of all names mythological, this one may deserve a fresh look.

Zosha is a feminine name with Slavic origins, most commonly found in Polish culture. It functions as a diminutive form of Zofia, which is the Polish version of Sophia, meaning "wisdom." With its distinctive 'zh' sound (often written as 'ż' in Polish), Zosha carries an exotic yet accessible quality for English speakers. While relatively uncommon outside of Poland and Polish communities, the name has a warm, affectionate tone typical of Slavic diminutives. Zosha combines the increasingly popular 'Z' initial with a friendly, approachable ending. The name's brevity and interesting sound make it an intriguing option for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable with cultural significance.

An international possibility, heard from England and Israel to Poland, Latvia, and Albania. It is a name with a vast range of possible meanings and origins, including: a Polish variation of Jane, meaning "God is Gracious"; a Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian short form of Susanna, meaning "lily"; a Persian name meaning "woman"; a Mongolian name meaning "bullfinch"; and a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning "a hundred".

An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.

One of the first authentically Slavic names many Americans heard (but couldn't pronounce), via 1960s to 70s former presidential advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski. Even after all these years, it is still problematic internationally, but well-used and familiar in its native Poland.

A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own.

Zygi is a masculine name with Eastern European origins, primarily found in Lithuanian, Polish, and Slavic communities. It functions as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'zyg' such as Zygmunt (Polish) or Sigmund (German), meaning 'victorious protection' or 'successful defense.' The name carries a distinctive, modern feel despite its traditional roots. Zygi remains uncommon in Western countries, giving it a unique quality for those who bear it. In Lithuania and surrounding regions, the name has cultural significance while maintaining a contemporary sound. Its short, punchy nature with the distinctive 'Z' beginning creates a memorable impression, making it appealing to parents seeking something both culturally connected yet uncommon.

Zefiryn is a rare feminine name with possible roots in Greek mythology, likely derived from 'Zephyros' (Latinized as Zephyrus), the god of the west wind. The name evokes the gentle, warm western breeze that heralds the arrival of spring. This connection gives Zefiryn associations with renewal, gentleness, and natural beauty. The distinctive 'Z' beginning and unusual construction make Zefiryn stand out as an extremely rare choice in most naming traditions. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, variants of this name may appear in Eastern European naming traditions. Zefiryn offers a unique alternative for parents seeking a name with classical roots, natural associations, and an uncommon sound profile that remains relatively accessible in pronunciation.

Zygmunt is a masculine name of Polish origin, equivalent to the English Sigmund or German Siegmund. It derives from Germanic elements 'sigu' meaning 'victory' and 'mund' meaning 'protection,' thus conveying 'victorious protection' or 'protector through victory.' The name has deep historical roots in Poland, with several Polish kings bearing the name, including Zygmunt I the Old and Zygmunt II Augustus. While common in Poland and other Slavic countries, it remains rare in English-speaking regions. The name's distinctive 'Z' beginning and unusual consonant combination give it a strong, distinctive quality. Zygmunt represents Polish heritage and carries historical gravitas, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking to honor Polish ancestry.

Zocha is a feminine name of Polish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Zofia (the Polish variant of Sophia). The name carries the same etymological meaning as Sophia, deriving from the Greek word for 'wisdom.' Zocha has a warm, affectionate quality typical of Slavic diminutives, combining familiarity with distinctiveness. While well-established in Poland and among Polish diaspora communities, Zocha remains rare in English-speaking countries, making it an uncommon choice that stands out while still being relatively easy to pronounce. The name has a gentle yet spirited quality with its soft 'ch' sound and melodic flow. For families with Polish heritage, Zocha offers a way to honor cultural roots while using a name that carries historical significance.

Zygfryd is the Polish variant of the Germanic name Siegfried, composed of elements meaning 'victory' and 'peace' or 'protection.' This powerful name carries significant historical and mythological weight, as Siegfried was a legendary hero in Germanic and Norse mythology, later immortalized in Wagner's Ring Cycle operas. The Polish spelling Zygfryd reflects the name's journey through different European languages while maintaining its heroic associations. While common in Poland, particularly in the early-to-mid 20th century, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. Zygfryd projects strength and ancient nobility, appealing to parents with Polish heritage or those seeking a name with historical depth. The distinctive 'Z' beginning and unusual consonant combination gives it a strong, memorable quality despite its challenging pronunciation for non-Polish speakers.