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Last names that start with Z occur across languages, cultures, and countries. Though these names originated for practical purposes, they now serve as a distinct title to set a person apart from others. These names are relatively rare, and thus, it is difficult to forget a person with such a surname. These surnames have gained popularity and recognition in countries as far as China and Japan and as close as Canada and Mexico.
The list of surnames starting with Z will give you a picture of the letter’s linguistic versatility. Moreover, these surnames carry a story of their ancestry, some of which go back to ancient times. Scroll down to get an idea of the vastness and scope of these surnames.
Key Pointers
- Surnames that start with Z are found in almost every language and country.
- Last names from Z often indicate location or occupation, though in some cases, they may indicate heraldry, too.
- Some surnames starting with Z, such as Zimmer and Zappa, are popular because of their association with famous people.
Last Names That Start With Z
Last names that start with Z may be considered relatively rare, but they impact tremendously. These last names are listed according to different cultures and languages.
Italian Last Names That Start With Z
Italian last names are already considered stylish. However, Italian last names that start with Z have an added layer of sophistication.
1. Zaccardo
Originated as a variant of Saccardo, it is an occupational name for a person who carried provisions in medieval armies. It could also be a patronymic or the plural form of Zaccardi, a surname used predominantly in Sicily.
2. Zacchia
Zacchia is both a topographic name and a habitational name. As a topographic name, it is derived from macchia, which means ‘thicket’ or ‘shrub,’ while as a habitational name, it could be for people from several places in central southern Italy. Paolo Zacchia the Elder, the Italian Renaissance painter, is one of the most famous people with this surname.
3. Zaffino
The surname is used mainly in the Calabria region. It could be derived from zaffo, which means ‘bung’ or ‘plug.’
4. Zalas
A stylish variant of Salas is a habitational name for places containing the element salas, meaning ‘room’ or ‘hall.’ It is used in several other languages, such as Spanish, Catalan, and Portuguese.
5. Zalla
Zalla is a multi-language family name, often used in Spanish, Portuguese, Galician, and Catalan apart from Italian. It is the variant of Sala and means ‘hall’ or ‘large room.’
6. Zamboni
The Italian patronymic form of Zambon is ultimately derived from John and combined with the adjective buono, meaning ‘good.’
7. Zara
Originated as a habitational name for a person from the city of Zadar in Croatia. It could also be derived from the Sicilian zagara, meaning ‘orange flower.’ It is also used as a Spanish and Basque name.
8. Zavaglia
Zavaglia is a family name that originated as a nickname from zavagliare, which means ‘to patch together’ or ‘to confuse.’ Alternatively, it could be a variant of Savaglio, which means ‘the valley.’
9. Zavattari
Derived from the Old French savate, meaning ‘slipper.’ It is used in several other languages, such as French, Spanish, and Romanian.
10. Zeno
Originated from the same personal name, which ultimately comes from Zeus, king of gods in Greek mythology. Zeno is also used as a surname among Hispanic and African American people.
11. Zezza
The unique surname is considered to originate from the Sicilian word zizzu, which means ‘young person of ostentatious elegance.’ It is also believed to come from the Arabic aziz, which means ‘dear one’ or ‘mighty.’
12. Zinni
This family name is a patronymic or plural form of Zinno. It is derived from the southern Italian dialect word zinno, which means ‘small.’
13. Zingarelli
Zingarelli is an Italian patronymic or plural form of Zingarello and a diminutive of Zingaro. It could be an ethnic name or a nickname for ‘gypsy.’
14. Zocchi
This patronymic or plural form of Zocco is quite popular in Italy. It is derived from the northern dialect words zòco or zòca, which mean ‘tree stump.’
15. Zolla
Possibly derived as a short form of Pizzolla, a feminine diminutive of Pizzo, which means ‘peak’ or ‘mountain.’ Alternatively, it could be a variant of Zola, a habitational name.
16. Zorzi
Predominantly used in northeastern Italy, it is a patronymic or plural form of Zorzo. These names are derived from Giorgio, and ultimately, George, which means ‘farmer’ or ‘earthworker.’
17. Zubiani
Derived from the given name Eusebio, it has roots in Greek and means ‘pious.’
18. Zumbo
Originated as a nickname for a squat or stubborn person and is derived from the Calabrian word zumbu, meaning ‘lump.’ It has roots that go back to medieval Greek.
Discover more Italian surnames.
Spanish Last Names That Start With Z
Spanish last names are used in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. They are usually derived as habitational names and have beautiful meanings.
19. Zacarias
Also spelled as Zacarías in Spanish, this family name derives from the biblical given name Zacharias. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘God remembers.’
Did you know?20. Zamora
Used initially as a habitational name for people from the city of Zamora in northwestern Spain. It has a variant spelled Samora, used predominantly in Basque and Catalonia, and means ‘wild olives.’
21. Zuniga
Also spelled as Zuñiga and Zúñiga, this Basque surname is a habitational name from a place of the same name in Navarre. It is derived from zuin, meaning ‘cultivated field,’ and iga, meaning ‘incline’ or ‘slope.’
22. Zaldívar
Another Basque surname which is often used in Spanish. It is derived from the Basque zaldi, meaning ‘horse,’ and ibar, meaning ‘valley.’ One of its variants is Zaldibar.
23. Zallas
This surname is derived as a variant of Salas, which means ‘hall.’ It is often used in other languages, such as Italian, Portuguese, and Greek.
24. Zamarron
Also spelled as Zamarrón in Spanish, Zamarron is a habitational name from a place with the same name in Granada. It is derived from the nickname zamarra, meaning ‘fur or fleece jacket.’
25. Zambrana
Possibly a habitational name derived from a town of the same name in Spain. Luisa Pérez de Zambrana was a Cuban writer and translator, often known as one of Cuba’s greatest poets.
26. Zambrano
Zambrano possibly is a habitational name for a person from Zambrana in Spain. As such, it could be considered to be a variant of Zambrana.
27. Zamorano
Derived as a habitational name for a person from Zamora in Spain. Incidentally, its capital city also carries the same name and is situated in Castile and Leon.
28. Zapata
In Spanish, Zapato is given as an occupational surname for a shoemaker. On the other hand, it could be a habitational surname for people from locations named Zapata in Spain.
29. Zapatero
This occupational family name is derived from the Spanish variant of Savatier. It originates in Old French and comes from savatier, meaning ‘shoemaker,’ and savate, meaning ‘shoes.’’
30. Zapato
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Derived from the Spanish word zapato, which means ‘shoe.’ It could be an occupational name for a shoemaker.
31. Zaragoza
Zaragoza is a habitational surname given to people from the city of Zaragoza in the Aragon region in Spain. Ignacio Zaragoza was a Mexican general who led an army of 600 soldiers and defeated 6,500 invading French forces in 1862 (1).
32. Zárate
A habitational surname that means ‘entrance to the grove coppice.’ Its variant is called Zarate, which means ‘thicket,’ and is used in Basque.
33. Zarco
Derived initially as a nickname, it is also used in Portuguese. It means ‘light blue’ and was given to someone with such eyes.
34. Zavala
A Spanish variant of the Basque Zabala, this family name is considered habitational. It is usually given to a person from the place with the same name in Biscay and means ‘large’ or ‘wide.’
35. Zayas
Zayas is derived from the Basque word zai, which means ‘watchman’ or ‘guard.’ Surprisingly, Zayas is also popular in the Caribbean region.
36. Zenon
Also spelled as Zenón in Spanish and Zénon in French, Zenon is a surname in multiple languages and cultures. It is derived from Zeno and, thus, Zeus, the Greek god of the sky.
37. Zepeda
This family name is a variant of Cepeda, which originated as a nickname for a person from a region of vineyards. Lorenzo Zepeda was the name of a President of El Salvador who held the position for an extremely short period of seven days.
38. Zubia
This Spanish habitational name is derived from the place with the same name in Granada. It has Arabic roots and is derived from zubia, which means ‘rich in water.’
39. Zuleta
This Spanish surname is a variant of Zulueta derived from the Basque zulo, meaning ‘hole’ or ‘hollow,’ and eta, meaning ‘place.’ Zuleta is also used as a Basque surname.
40. Zurdo
The surname means ‘left-handed’ and possibly originated as a name for a left-handed person.
41. Zurita
Zurita is a Spanish habitational surname for places with the same name in Huesca and Cantabria. They are derived from the Basque zuri, meaning ‘white.’
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Mexican Last Names That Start With Z
Mexican last names that start with Z are considered Hispanic, too. These names may be occupational, habitational, or topographic.
42. Zacatenco
Originally given as a habitational name for a person who came from Zacatecas. Now, Zacatecas is considered one of the wealthiest states in Mexico.
43. Zapien
This Hispanic surname used in Mexico is an altered form of Zapiain, a Basque habitational name for a place with the same name. Its most common variant is Sapien.
44. Zazueta
Zazueta is possibly a topographic name of Basque origin. The suffix-eta indicates ‘place or group of.’
45. Zendejas
Zendejas is a variant of Cendejas and is a habitational surname. It is derived from the name of Cendejas de la Torre in Guadalahara.
Discover more Mexican surnames.
Hispanic Last Names That Start With Z
Hispanic last names that start with Z may be relatively rare, yet they carry significant meanings. These last names are used in different Spanish-speaking countries.
46. Zanel
Predominantly used by Jewish people in Latin America. It is a variant of Saner, which, in turn, is a derivative of ‘Senior.’
47. Zavalia
The surname is mainly found in Mexico and is a variant of the Basque Zabalza. These names have been derived as habitational names for a place called Zabaltza in Navarre.
48. Zegarra
This variant of the Catalan Segarra is considered to be a habitational surname. It is derived from the regional name of the district of La Segarra.
49. Zermeno
Also spelled as Zermeño in Mexico, this Hispanic surname is an alternative form of the Spanish Cermeño. It is a topographic name and means ‘wild pear tree.’
50. Zevallos
This family name is predominantly used in Peru and is a variant of the Spanish Ceballos. These names are derived from a place called Ceballos in Cantabria.
51. Zorilla
This Spanish surname is derived as a diminutive of zorra, which means ‘vixen’ or zorro, which means ‘fox.’ It may have been given to a crafty person in ancient times.
Quick tip52. Zubiria
This habitational family name was originally used in Medieval Basque before transitioning into a Spanish surname used in Latin America. It means ‘nearby bridge’ and has several variants, including Zubiria, Zurbi, and Zuburi.
Japanese Last Names That Start With Z
Japanese surnames that start with Z use kanji characters to write names, which may mean different things. Hence, Japanese last names often have a variety of different meanings.
53. Zaan
Zaan is created by combining the kanji characters za, which means ‘seat’ or ‘base,’ and an, which means ‘peace.’ Incidentally, it is also a Chinese surname.
54. Zaha
In this case, too, the character za in Zaha means ‘seat’ or ‘base.’ On the other hand, the character ha could mean ‘wave’ or ‘surge.’
55. Zaima
Zaima is a beautiful name that is a combination of two characters with deep meanings. In this case, za means ‘exist’ or ‘to be present,’ and ima means ‘interval’ or ‘time.’
56. Zaitsu
This surname has several meanings such as ‘wealth,’ ‘port,’ ‘exist,’ ‘material,’ ‘talent,’ and ‘money.’ It could be considered to be a surname that conveys wealth and prosperity.
57. Zaizen
Another name that means ‘wealth,’ Zaizen has various meanings such as ‘fortune,’ ‘before,’ and ‘exist.’ The element za in these names is given to convey prosperity.
58. Zama
A family name that indicates power, Zama means ‘seat,’ ‘interval,’ ‘to sit,’ and ‘remainders.’ Zama is quite a popular surname throughout Japan.
59. Zamami
Zamami is another family name containing the za element, ‘ seat.’ The other characters mean ‘interval,’ ‘time,’ and ‘taste.’’
60. Zayasu
This unique Japanese last name is derived from the character za, which means ‘seat’ or ‘cushion,’ and yasu, which means ‘relax’ or ‘peaceful.’ It is a name that conveys peace and restfulness.
61. Zemmosa
This last name is considered rare in Japan. Pronounced as ZEHN-MO-SA, this surname includes the element zen, meaning ‘virtue’ or ‘goodness,’ mo, meaning ‘luxuriant,’ and sa, meaning ‘sand.’
62. Zenda
Zenda is another rare surname in Japanese. It is created with a combination of kanji characters meaning ‘everything’ and ‘rice paddy field.’
63. Zen’in
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Also spelled Zenin, this rare Japanese surname means ‘dhyana temple’ or ‘temple for meditation.’ It is pronounced as ZEHNWN-EEN.
64. Zeniya
This family name means ‘money,’ ‘valley,’ and ‘house.’ It probably originated as a name given to a wealthy person living in a valley or a big house.
65. Zenke
Zenke could mean ‘good,’ ‘virtuous,’ ‘house,’ and ‘family.’ It was possibly given to people or families known for their good luck and kindness.
66. Zukeran
This optimistic last name means ‘fortunate,’ ‘happy,’ ‘celebration,’ and ‘perusal.’ Zukeran is a surname that conveys joy and happiness.
67. Zukeyama
This beautiful four-syllable surname is associated with good fortune and nature. The characters of the name mean ‘fortunate,’ ‘happiness,’ and ‘mountain.’
68. Zukin
Pronounced as ZI-KYEEN, this rare Japanese family name is derived from the word zukin, which means ‘headscarf,’ ‘hood,’ or ‘handkerchief.’ It is alternatively spelled as Tokin.
69. Zushi
Zushi means ‘figure,’ ‘illustration,’ ‘teacher,’ and ‘mentor.’ It may be given to someone who teaches drawing or other related subjects.
Discover more Japanese last names.
Russian Last Names That Start With Z
Russia is a huge country with varied surnames and cultures. These Russian last names starting with Z are derived from different languages.
70. Zachar
With Hebrew roots, this surname means ‘to remember.’ It is often used among Russian Jews and also in other countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Belarus.
71. Zaitsev
This family name originated as a nickname and is derived from the word zaits, meaning ‘hare.’ It has several variants including Zaitseff, Zaytsoff, and Sayzoff, among others.
72. Zakhaev
It is most likely developed as a derivative of the given name Zakhey, meaning ‘pure,’ and the suffix -ev, meaning ‘of.’ However, it could also be an invented surname for a video game character.
73. Zakharian
Derived from the first name, Zakharian is the Ukrainian form of the surname Zakharyan, which ultimately comes from Zacharias and means ‘God remembers.’ Zakharian is used as an Armenian and Ukrainian surname, too.
74. Zakharov
This surname literally means ‘son of Zakhar,’ which is also a derivative of Zacharias. Zakharov is also spelled as Zakharova, which is considered to be its feminine form.
75. Zakharyan
Means ‘son of Zakhar’ and is written with the Armenian suffix yan. These names are considered holy because of their association with the Bible.
76. Zangiev
Modern Russian form of the Ossetian surname Zændžiaty. It means ‘dark-skinned’ and is also the root for the popular Zangief.
77. Zarubina
The feminine version of Zarubin and is derived from the noun zarub, which means ‘notch in a tree.’ Irina Zarubina was a Soviet and Russian actress, who was awarded the People’s Artist of the RSFSR title.’
78. Zaslavski
Zaslavski is the variant of Zaslavsky and is derived from a given name. It means ‘coming from glory.’
79. Zaslavsky
A habitational name for someone from the city of Iziaslav or Zaslav in Ukraine. Alternatively, it could be derived from the given name Iziaslav, which means ‘coming from glory.’
80. Zaychik
Zaychik is a cute Russian surname that means ‘bunny.’ It is predominantly used among the Jewish community.
81. Zaytsev
This surname could have Russian or Ukrainian roots and means ‘hare.’ It has several variants, such as Zaytseva and Zaychev.
82. Zelenin
Pronounced as zyi-LYEH-nyin, Zelenin is derived from the Russian word zelen, which means ‘greens,’ ‘vegetables,’ or ‘verdure.’ Its feminine form is Zelenina.
83. Zelenov
A surname derived from a nickname, Zelenov means ‘green.’ Its variants include Zelenova and Zelenoff.
84. Zhaba
With Belarusian roots, it means ‘toad’ or ‘frog.’ It was initially a Belarusian noble surname, which transitioned into Russian over time.
85. Zharkov
Derived from the Russian zharkiy, which means ‘hot.’ It is also spelled as Jarkov.
86. Zhdanov
Pronounced as ZHDA-nəf, Zhdanov is derived from an Old Russian surname Zhdan, which means ‘long-desired child.’ Its most common variants are Zhdanova and Zhdanoff.
87. Zheltov
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Originated as a nickname and transitioned into a last name over the years. It is derived from the Russian zheltyy, which means ‘yellow.’
88. Zherdev
Ornamental surname is derived from a Russian word meaning ‘perch.’
89. Zholnerovsky
Rare surname of Polish origin and was used in noble families. It is derived from the Polish żołnierz, meaning ‘soldier.’
90. Zima
Originally used as a nickname, it may have been used to describe someone with a cold personality. It is derived from a Slavic word that means ‘winter.’
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Greek Last Names Starting With Z
Greece is a country with varied influences thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. These Greek last names starting with Z have a distinct sound.
91. Zacharias
This enigmatic Greek family name is derived from the same given name, which appears in English translations of the New Testament (2). Also spelled as Zechariah, it has roots in Hebrew and means ‘God remembers.’
92. Zachariou
Means ‘son of Zacharias.’ It is used mainly in the Cyprus region and may also be spelled as Zahariou.
93. Zachos
A short family name is derived from the short form of Zacharias. It means ‘God remembers’ and is associated with the Bible.
94. Zafeiriou
This means ‘son of Zafeiris,’ derived from the Ancient Greek sappheiros, which refers to the blue gemstone.
95. Zagoritis
Derived as a habitational surname bestowed on people from the Zagori region in Greece. The name is probably derived from the Slavic Zagore, meaning ‘beyond the mountains.’
96. Zaimis
Greek surname associated with success in Greece. It is the surname of two Prime Ministers of Greece who served multiple times, Alexandros Zaimis and Thrasyvoulos Zaimis, and an Olympic champion, Georgios Zaimis.
97. Zapheiropoulos
Indicates ‘descendant of Zapheiris.’ It is ultimately obtained from the Ancient Greek sappheiros, which may have roots both in Latin and Hebrew and refers to the sapphire gemstone.
98. Zappa
Zappa is an occupational name that means ‘farmer’ and has Italian roots. One of the most notable people with this surname is Frank Zappa, an American musician who made music in different genres such as rock, pop, jazz, and jazz fusion.
Trivia99. Zappas
Zappas is another occupational surname derived as a variant of Papas, which means ‘priest.’ As Orthodox Church priests may marry and have children, their station became the best way to confer a surname on the family.
100. Zavos
Zavos was initially used as a nickname, possibly to describe someone with a quirky character or a slow thinker. It is probably derived from the Greek zaviola, which means ‘cheating.’’
101. Zervas
Variant of Zervos and was originally a nickname meaning ‘left-handed.’ It has roots in Arabic and is derived from zawiya, which means ‘corner’ or ‘angle.’ Zervas is also a Dutch and German surname.
102. Zervos
Another surname derived from the Arabic zawiya, which means ‘corner’ or ‘angle,’ Zervos comes from a nickname that means ‘left-handed.’ It was initially used for a left-handed person before entering a last name.
103. Zika
Derived as a short form of the personal name Zikmund, which means ‘victory’ and ‘protection.’ Zika is also used as a Czech surname.
104. Zographos
A surname that originated as an occupational name, Zographos is a variant of Zografos and is given to a portrait painter or miniaturist. It is derived from the Greek zōgraphos, whose elements mean ‘life’ and ‘to write.’
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German Last Names That Start With Z
Several German surnames start with Z and are widely used all over Germany. These German last names starting with Z are some of the most popular ones.
105. Zabel
Zabel is derived from the Middle High German word zabel, which means ‘board game.’ It could have originated as a nickname for someone who played games habitually.
106. Zabka
This family name has roots in Polish and means ‘frog.’ It is also used as a Polish, Czech, and Slovak surname.
107. Zach
It could be derived from the personal name Zach, which ultimately comes from Zacharias. On the other hand, it could be derived from a nickname that means ‘tenacious’ or ‘stubborn.’
108. Zachmann
Originated as an extended version of Zach. It is a well-known surname in Germany and has a variant spelled as Zachman.
109. Zachow
Originated as a habitational name for people from places of the same name in Bradenburg and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow was a well-known vocalist and keyboard music player in the 17th century.
110. Zahn
Used as a nickname for a person with a large or peculiar tooth or a different set of teeth. It is derived from the Middle High German zan(t) and means ‘tooth.’ Zahn is used predominantly among Ashkenazi Jews and is also a Chinese surname.
111. Zellweger
Zellweger is a family name with noble lineage and originated in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. It has Latin roots and means ‘estate of the abbot.’ American actress Renée Zellweger is a notable bearer of this name.
112. Ziegler
Originated from the Middle High German element ziegel, meaning ‘brick’ or ‘tile.’ It means ‘bricklayer’ or ‘brickmaker’ in German. Karl Ziegler was a German chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963 for his work on polymers.
113. Zimmer
Zimmer means ‘room’ or ‘chamber,’ an occupational name rooted in Middle High German. It is derived from zim(b)er or zimmer, which means ‘wood’ or ‘wooden building.’ Hans Zimmer is a contemporary German musician known for his music in movies..
114. Zimmerman
Derived as a variant of Zimmermann, another German surname. It means ‘carpenter’ and is a common surname among Ashkenazi Jews.
115. Zimmermann
Predominantly used among Ashkenazi Jews, it is an occupational name for ‘carpenter.’ It is derived from the combination of zimber, meaning ‘wood,’ and man, meaning ‘man.’
116. Zobel
Zobel is a metonymic occupational family name for a furrier or fur trader. It is derived from the Old High German zobel, which means ‘sable’ or ‘fur.’
117. Zoller
Originated as an occupational name for an official who collected tolls. It is derived from the Middle High German zoller and means ‘custom officer.’
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English Last Names That Start With Z
English last names starting with Z are often derived from other languages such as German and Polish. These last names may also be related to the Bible.
118. Zachariah
Derived from the same given name, Zachariah is a variant of Zechariah and is used in the King James Version of the Old Testament. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘God remembers.’
119. Zachary
Diminutive form of Zacharias, which means ‘God remembers.’ However, it could also be a habitational name for someone from Sacheverell in Normandy.
120. Zacher
Another variation of Zachary and thus, Zachariah, Zacher also has two meanings. Either it could be a habitational surname or a biblical one.
121. Zackert
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Used in the US for German surnames such as Zacher and Zachert. It may be derived from Zacharias, but it also could be a variant of Siegert, which means ‘victory’ and ‘hard.’
122. Zale
Zale is possibly derived from a Polish surname, either a habitational surname or a topographic one. It originated as a name given to people from Żale in Podlaskie Voivodeship or for someone who lived ‘on the other side of wood.’
123. Zalick
Zalick could be the variant of Malik and ultimately, Malic. It was derived from a nickname for a small man. Alternatively, Zalick could be the variant of Tsalikis.
124. Zane
Zane is a family name that originated as a nickname from the Middle English seine, which means ‘cured’ or healed.’ It is also used as an Italian and Chinese surname. Alternatively, it is the Americanized variant of the German Zahn, which means ‘tooth.’
125. Zeagler
Originated as an Americanized spelling of the German Ziegler. It is an occupational name and means ‘tiler’ or ‘bricklayer.’
126. Zealand
Zealand is a habitational name that possibly is derived from the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands or the island of Zealand. It is also a Dutch surname.
127. Zeches
The surname originated as a noble family name and was first found in early medieval times. It is also a German occupational surname.
128. Zeeland
Considered the Dutch form of Zealand, this name originated as a habitational surname. It is used to describe the Dutch island of Zealand.
129. Zeimer
This English surname is derived from the same German surname that originated as a topographic name meaning ‘inhabitant.’ It is mainly used in Australia.
130. Zeller
Zeller was originally used as a habitational surname for a person from Celle in Germany or someone living near a ‘cell.’ It is also used as a German and Dutch surname.
131. Zelly
Derived as a pet form of the first name Pell. It originated as a nickname from the Old French pele, ‘bald.’
132. Zentner
A variant of Kentner, this surname has roots in Latin and means ‘singer.’ It may be used as a German surname, too.
133. Zerba
Another surname derived from German, Zerba is a variant of Zerbe. It is a habitational name for a person from place called Zerbau, Zerben, or Zerbow. It is also an Italian and Polish surname.
134. Zerka
This English surname could be the Anglicized form of the same German habitational name. It is derived from the ancient Germanic word birka, which means ‘birch tree.’
135. Zhane
Zhane is an English and Scottish surname derived as a variant of Thain. This was a status name for a person of high rank, nobleman, or warrior derived from Middle English, Older Scots, and Old Norse..
136. Zion
This family name is an invented name from the Hebrew tsion, which means ‘Mount Zion.’ It is considered holy among the Jewish community.
137. Zinke
Zinke is another English surname derived from German. In this case, Zinke is a variant of Zink, which means ‘peak.’
138. Zimmon
Considered to be a variant of Simon, a biblical name, Zimmon has roots in Hebrew and means ‘to hear.’ It is also used as a German surname.
139. Zipper
This trendy family name is surprisingly associated with the Bible. It is considered to be derived from Zipporah, meaning ‘bird,’ and is commonly used among Ashkenazi Jews.
140. Zogg
Zogg is derived from Swiss German, possibly a nickname for a crude or violent man. It is derived from the Middle High German zoche, which means ‘cudgel.’
141. Zohn
Considered to be a variant of John, it means ‘God is gracious.’ Alternatively, it could be a variant of Sohn, which means ‘son.’
142. Zollner
This family name is derived from Zoller, which means ‘customs officer.’ It is also used in German and spelled as Zöllner.
143. Zolton
A habitational name derived from several places named Colton in England. It is predominantly used in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.
144. Zouch
A variant of Souch, Zouch is an English surname that originated in the Norman period. It is derived from the Old French souche, which means ‘tree stump.’
145. Zuill
Zuill is considered a habitational name for someone from the town of Zuill in Scotland. On the other hand, it could be a variant of Gill, which means ‘deep glen’ or ‘ravine.’
146. Zyler
This surname is the Americanized form of the German surnames Bailer, Beiler, Beyler, and Bayler. Ultimately, these are all derived as an occupational name for a gauger or barrel sealer. They come from Middle High German beil, meaning ‘barrel inspection.’
147. Zylstra
Derived from the Dutch zijl, which means ‘canal’ or ‘sluice,’ Zylstra was given to a person who lived near these water bodies. It is often used as a Dutch and Frisian surname, too.
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Chinese Last Names That Start With Z
Chinese last names that start with Z are highly valued in China. Some most common last names in the world are Chinese.
148. Zeng
Derived from the Chinese character with the same sound, this family name refers to the former state of Zeng, present in the Zhou dynasty. It means ‘high’ or ‘add’ in ancient Chinese.
149. Zha
Derived as a variant of Jiang, Zha was originally the name of a district in the Shandong province. Hence, Zha is a habitational name derived from this place name. It may also be spelled as Cha.
150. Zhai
Zhai is derived from the character zhai, which refers to a place with the same name in the Shanxi province. The name was originally pronounced as Di and later changed to the current spelling. It means ‘pheasants’ and refers to a minority ethnic group in the north.
151. Zhang
Also spelled as Chang in Taiwan, Zhang is one of the most common surnames in the world. It means ‘to draw a bow’ in ancient Chinese and may have originated as a family name for a bowmaker.
152. Zhao
Zhao is the first surname mentioned in the traditional list of Chinese last names called Hundred Family Surnames. It was the emperor’s surname in the Song dynasty and means ‘walk quickly.’
153. Zhan
Also spelled Chan, Cham, Jaam, Chim, Chiam, or Chem, Zhan could have several meanings. It could refer to the ancient state of Zhan in the Zhou dynasty or could mean ‘open,’ ‘unfold,’ ‘extend,’ and ‘stretch.’ It could also mean ‘practicing divination.’
154. Zheng
This ancient name originated in Henan in the 8th century BC. It means ‘upright’ or ‘just’ and is among China’s most popular family names. It is also ranked seventh in the Hundred Family Surnames list.
155. Zhou
Zhou is the fifth name in the Hundred Family Surnames and is considered one of the most common names in China. Derived from the name of the Zhou dynasty, this family name means ‘surrounding’ or ‘whole.’
156. Zhu
This family name ranks 17th in the Hundred Family Surnames poem and means ‘vermilion.’ It is spelled in different languages, such as Chu in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan; Gee in the US and Canada; and Choo in Singapore and Malaysia.
157. Zhuo
This ancient Chinese family name means ‘eminent,’ ‘lofty,’ or ‘outstanding.’ It could also be a habitational surname from a place in the Shandong province. Zhuo has been recorded since 475 BC.
158. Zuo
Another surname featured in the Hundred Family Surnames poem is Zuo, which means ‘left-hand side.’ It was possibly given as a name to a left-handed scribe.
159. Zhuang
Also spelled as Chuang in Taiwan, Zhuang features in the Hundred Family Surnames list. It is usually spoken in the first tone (a method of Chinese phonetic pronunciation) and means ‘solemnity’ in ancient Chinese.
Discover more Chinese surnames.
French Last Names Starting With Z
Last names starting with Z are rarely used in France and French-speaking countries. These last names are considered stylish.
160. Zabu
This unique French family name could be derived from the South Slavic word Dabiživ, which means ‘would be alive.’ Zabu is also used as a Filipino, Romanian, and Norwegian surname.
161. Zagré
Also written as Zagre, Zagré could have German roots. It is considered a habitational name for a person from Zager near Wollin. Additionally, Zagré can be used as a Slovenian and Ashkenazi Jewish surname.
162. Zay
A short family name derived from a French form of the German See. It has roots in Middle English and is a topographic name for a person who lives by the seashore or a lake.
163. Zazou
The same given name probably inspired this trendy surname. It is considered to be a French diminutive of Isabelle.
Discover more French surnames.
Polish Last Names That Start With Z
Polish last names that start with Z have different origins, including Czech and German. These last names are a small segment of a wide variety.
164. Ząbek
Ząbek is a Polish family name that could be derived from the Polish nickname ząbek, which means ‘little tooth’ or ‘denticle.’ In some cases, it could also be derived from the nickname žaba, which means ‘frog.’ Ząbek is predominantly used among Jewish people.
165. Zając
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/single-cute-arctic-hare-relax-on-2344847431
Image: Shutterstock
Alt Text Image: Zając Polish last name starting with Z
This family name is derived from the same Polish word and means ‘hare.’ It was originally a nickname for a swift runner or a shy person.
166. Zakowski
Derived as a habitational name for a person from any of the places called Żaków, Żakowo, or Żakowice in Poland. It is most commonly used in central Poland.
167. Zawisza
Unique family name is derived from the same Old Polish personal name. These names are possibly derived from the word zawist, which means ‘jealousy’ or ‘envy.’
168. Żbikowski
Derived as a habitational name for any of the places called Żbik Żbiki or Żbików, this last name is also used as a first name. These names are derived from the word żbik, which means ‘wildcat.’
169. Zdunowski
Usually used as a habitational surname for a person from places named Zduny in Poland, Zdunowski is derived from the Polish zdun, which means ‘potter.’ It can also be a metonymic occupational name directly derived from zdun.
170. Zieliński
Pronounced as zheh-LYEEN-skyee, this unique name is derived from the Polish zieleń, which means ‘green.’ It possibly originated as a nickname for someone who frequently wore green clothing.
171. Zieminski
Considered a habitational name, this surname is given to a person from Ziemin in Poznan Voivodeship. It is derived from the word ziemin, meaning ‘ground.’
172. Ziemniak
Ziemniak is an occupational surname that literally means ‘potato’ in Polish. It might have been created as a family name to address potato farmers.
173. Zientek
A variant of Ziętek and created from a diminutive of zięć, which means ‘son-in-law.’ It is one of the surnames that transitioned from a nickname.
174. Ziętek
Ziętek is derived from a diminutive of the Polish zięć, which means ‘son-in-law.’ It was initially used as a nickname before becoming a surname..
175. Żukowski
Derived as a habitational name for a person from several places called Żuki, Żukowo, or Żuków. These names originate from the nickname Zuk or the word żuk, both of which mean ‘beetle.’
176. Żuraw
A descriptive family name derived from a nickname given to a tall person or a chimney sweep. It is derived from the word żuraw, which means ‘crane.’
177. Żurowski
Another habitational surname, Żurowski is derived from the Lesser Polish village of Żurowa or Żur in Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship.
178. Zwack
Derived from the name Czwak, it has German roots and may be derived from the Middle High German zwac, which means ‘bite.’ It is possibly given to a person with a huge appetite.
179. Zygmuntowicz
This surname is pronounced as zig-MUN-tov-ich and is derived from the personal name Zygmunt. Ultimately, these names come from Sigmund, which means ‘victory’ and ‘protection.’
180. Żyła
Also spelled as Zyla, this surname is derived from a nickname. It comes from the word żyła, which means ‘vein’ literally and ‘bore’ figuratively.’
181. Żywicki
Another habitational surname, Żywicki was given to a person from a place named Zywy. On the other hand, it could have been derived from a nickname from the word zywy, which means ‘live wire.’
182. Żywiecki
Pronounced as zhiv-YEHTS-kyee, this Polish surname was derived as a habitational name. It was used for people from the Lesser Polish town of Żywiec.
183. Żyźniewski
This family name is pronounced as zhizh-NYEHF-skyee and is a habitational name. It was given to families within the Masovian village of Żyźniewo.
Discover more Polish last names.
Celebrities With Z Last Names
These celebrities have coveted last names that start with Z. They have also increased the value of these last names.
184. Carlos Ruiz Zafón
He was a Spanish novelist, the author of La Sombra del Viento (translated as The Shadow of the Wind). It won several awards and is included in the list of the hundred best books in Spanish.
185. Mariel Zagunis
Mariel Zagunis is an American saber fencer. She is a two-time Olympic champion and the first American to win a gold medal in Olympic fencing.
186. Todd Zeile
Todd Zeile is an American professional baseball player. He played the positions of third baseman, catcher, and first baseman in Major League Baseball (MLB) and is not a sports analyst.
187. Billy Zane
William George Zane Jr., better known as Billy Zane, is an American actor. He is known for his role as Caledon Hockley in the 1997 movie Titanic, along with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
188. Roger Zelazny
Roger Zelazny was an American poet and author of fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories. He is best known for The Chronicles of Amber and has won several awards, including the Nebula and Higo awards.
189. Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician who has been serving as the country’s president since 2019. Though a political outsider, he gained maximum votes and won the presidential elections.
190. Renée Zellweger
She is an American actress and has received several awards, such as the Oscars, BAFTA, and the Golden Globe. She was known as the world’s highest-paid actress in 2007.
191. Frank Zappa
He was an American musician, composer, and bandleader known for experimenting with different genres of music, such as rock, pop, and jazz. His career spanned over 30 years, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously.
192. Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine Zeta-Jones is a Welsh actress, often known for playing various roles. She has won several awards including an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Tony, and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her work in films and humanities.
193. Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is one of the best Chinese actresses of China. She gained international recognition for her role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Rush Hour 2.
194. Zhou Xun
Zhou Xun is a Chinese actress and singer considered one of the best actresses in China. She gained global fame for her roles in Suzhou River and Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Zhou is her family name and is written first according to the Chinese style.
195. Zinedine Zidane
Zidane, known as Zizou, is a French football manager and former player. He is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and is one of the most successful coaches in the world.
196. Hans Zimmer
He is a German composer known for his composition of film scores. He has scored music for over 150 movies, including The Dark Knight trilogy, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Inception, and Gladiator. He has also won two Oscars for The Lion King and Dune.
197. Phil Zimmermann
He is an American computer scientist known as the creator of Pretty Good Privacy (PGP). It is the most widely used email encryption software in the world.
198. Hans Zinsser
He was an American physician and bacteriologist (3). He is known for his work in isolating the typhus bacterium and developing a vaccine. The typhus form he discovered was named in his honor as the Brill–Zinsser disease.
199. Waleed Zuaiter
An Arab-American actor and producer, Zuaiter has appeared in several on-stage productions and movies. He is known for producing and starring in the 2013 movie Omar, which was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
200. Arianne Zucker
Arianne Zucker is a three-time Emmy-nominated actress. She is best known for her role as Nicole Walker on NBC’s daytime drama series Days of Our Lives.
201. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is the co-founder of the social networking site Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms.
202. Markus Zusak
He is an Australian author best known for his book The Book Thief. It became an international bestseller, sold 17 million copies, and was translated into 63 languages. It was also adapted into a movie.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any specific genealogical or historical facts about last names starting with Z?
Yes, there are several facts related to last names starting with Z. For instance, Ziegler holds importance due to its association with Karl Ziegler, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist. Additionally, we have Zellwegger, which was used in noble families. Zhang is a Chinese surname considered the most common in China. Many other surnames, starting with Z, have such facts attached to them.
2. Can last names that start with ‘Z’ have different spellings?
Yes, last names that start with Z can have different spellings. For example, the German surname Zoller is spelled as Zollner in English, the Polish and German surname Ziegler can be spelled as Zegler and Zeigler, and the Chinese surname Zhu can be spelled Cao and Choo. The variations can be minimal too, for instance, Zimmerman and Zimmermann, Zervas and Zervos, and Zakharov and Zakharyan. With migrations and globalization, families adapt to local cultures and languages, and a single last name may have several other spellings due to linguistic evolution.
3. How common are last names starting with Z?
The commonality of last names starting with Z varies from region to region. They are quite common in Germany and Poland, while they may be rarely used in France and English-speaking countries.
Last names that start with Z are present in almost every language and culture. These surnames often denote regional origins, occupations, or ancestral lineage. Their uniqueness lies in their relative scarcity, thus making them attractive. Popular names such as Zhang, Ziegler, and Zimmer have gained recognition worldwide due to historical achievements or modern contributions. Last names starting with Z have a melodic sound that will enrich future generations.
Infographic: 8 Famous Surnames Starting With Z
Last names that start with Z are unforgettable. They usually have a unique meaning, and their pronunciation flows over the tongue. Their relative rarity in usage only adds to their intrigue. You can find these surnames in almost every culture and language. Look at the infographic below for some famous surnames starting with Z.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Zaragoza Ignacio Seguín (1829–1862).
https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/zaragoza-ignacio-seguin - Zechariah 1.
https://web.mit.edu/jywang/www/cef/Bible/NIV/NIV_Bible/ZECH+1.html - Hans Zinsser M.D.
https://www.aai.org/About/History/Past-Presidents-and-Officers/HansZinsser
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