Apocalyptic Names

With the trendiness of both X and Z, this spelling has it all. However, there's no real need for the added letter, unless you're looking for extra Scrabble points.

In an English-speaking country, stick with Eugenia.

This distinguished name still feels a bit ancient, but with the rise of such former graybeards as Jeremiah and Elijah, it also sounds child-friendly again, as does the Latin-Greek form Zacharias.

This is a Hebrew word name, created from the word zahav, meaning gold.

A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.

Zahraa is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'radiant' or 'shining.' The name is a variant of Zahra and holds special significance in Islamic tradition, as Al-Zahraa is a title given to Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, symbolizing her radiant face and spiritual light. Popular throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Muslim communities worldwide, Zahraa represents beauty, purity, and spiritual luminescence. The double 'a' spelling is one of several transliterations from Arabic to English, with Zahra and Zahrah being common alternatives. The name carries both religious significance and natural beauty associations, as it also connects to the Arabic word for flower or blossom.

Not related to Zack, Zacky, Zachary, or Zachariah – but many will assume it is.

On the rise as an independent name: Zander and Xander are both widely used can increasingly be found as characters in movies and on TV.

Zariah has three possible origins: the Arabic Zahrah which means ‘flower’, the Hebrew name Azariah, meaning ‘God has helped’, or the Russian word Zaria which means ‘sunrise/dawn’. Either way, it's a strong and striking name with a range of lovely meanings.

A spiritual word name used by actor Zoe Saldana for her son as well as more recently Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott for their late son. Zen has been trending in recent years along with other spiritual names such as Bodhi and Zion, and recently entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022.

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

In the Bible, a son of Abraham and Keturah; this ancient and musical name nonetheless sounds like a character in a 1950s science fiction movie.

Zinedine Zidane is France's biggest soccer star, spawning a legion of little Zinedines in that country.

There are many variations of this name, with or without the initial T and the final h, with one p or two. In the Bible she was the wife of Moses.

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.

This name of a beautiful Moorish woman character in Don Quixote is rarely heard.

An alternative transcription of Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding micro name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.

With its on trend Z initial and its similarity to Lyla, Myla, and Kaia, Zyla is a zesty, modern choice which sits just outside the US Top 1000. Given to around 250 girls in a recent count, its zippy, stylish feel may see it rise in coming years.