Russian Names that Start With Z

Now that Zoe is getting wildly popular in the U.S. and the U.K. -- one poll puts it at number one in Wales -- parents may start hunting down fresh twists like this.

Zariyah has several possible origins: the Arabic Zahrah which means "flower" or Zariya "scattering wind"; the Hebrew name Azariah, meaning "God has helped"; or the Russian word Zaria which means "sunrise, dawn."

Zvezda, which means star in several Slavic languages, is a traditional established name in Eastern Europe and Russia. While names with celestial meanings have an intrinsic appeal, that initial Zv may be difficult for English speakers to wrap their tongues around.

Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

Makes Jane anything but plain.

See ZOE.

This unusual name belonged to a character played by Kirsten Dunst in an early film.

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

Zinovia and Zenobia might be thought of as mythological adjacent names, with their meaning connected to Zeus, king of the Gods. The name Zinovia was given to fewer than ten baby girls in the US last year, versus about 30 who were named Zenobia.

This Old Russian name is mentioned in several genealogical sources, but few modern name books. Pronounced either to rhyme with David, or as zah-VEED, it can be a highly unusual alternative.

Janet's zippier Russian cousin.