Cool Baby Names That Start with Z

The Selma-Thelma-Velma connection dates it.

As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.

Funky choice with za-za-zoom. Zaza could be used as a nickname for almost any name with the "za" cluster, including Elizabeth and Esperanza.

A rarely heard biblical name, Zadok is borne by no less than nine Old Testament men.

Two Zells of note: conservative southern senator Zell Miller, and video-game character Zell, a hero of "Final Fantasy."

Zaynab, from the Arabic word for beauty and the name of a flowering tree, was the name of a granddaughter, daughter and two wives of the Prophet Muhammed. Related names include the simplified forms Zaina and Zayna and the Swahili-inflected Zainabu, along with possibly Zenobia, a name related to the Greek mythological god Zeus. Zaynab is one of the most popular Muslim girls' names around the world.

Parents with a penchant for inventing names seem especially enamored of the letter Z, maybe for its counterculture feel and its extra zip.

This intriguing name from Armenia has a lovely meaning "rainbow" and was used for the adorable protagonist of the film by the same name who hides in a suitcase and ends up going on an adventure to Turkey.

For lovers of Pasternak's great doctor, a lively middle name choice, one made by actress Nia Long.

This shortened form of Zephaniah makes an original Old Testament choice. It might plausibly make an honor name for Stephen or Stephan, and comes with the appealing short form Zeph.

A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.

Although a variant of the operatic Zerlina, Zerline has her own theatrical tale. She is the star character of the opera Fra Diavolo by Daniel Auber. Zerline, daughter of the innkeeper of Terracina, is in love with an impoverished soldier, Lorenzo, but her father wants her to marry the rich old Francesco. Various tragedies and events occur. In the end, Zerline is free to marry her beloved Lorenzo.

A New Testament tax collector was called Zaccheus, the freshest spin on this biblical favorite.

Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts." Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.

Zee-ifying Bailey.

Updates the tired Derek or Eric.

A strong name with a strong meaning, like its cousin Zafir.

Along with the more common Silke, a diminutive used in Germany for Cecilia and Celia. Both Silke and Zilke are unknown yet usable German names for girls.