This list includes 49 Dog name ideas that start with Z, from “Zadie” to “Zuzu”. Many names are short, punchy, and easy to call, ideal for puppies, adult dogs, and online profiles.

Dog name ideas that start with Z are single-word choices that sound distinctive and easy to call. Names like “Ziggy” and “Zelda” have pop culture ties that boost familiarity and popularity.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Origin, Pronunciation, and Meaning for each entry.

Name: The dog name itself, in quotes where helpful, so you can scan options and pick what fits your pet’s personality.

Origin: A brief language or cultural origin that helps you understand the name’s background and avoid cultural misuse.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide so you know how to say the name clearly when training or introducing your dog.

Meaning: A concise one-line meaning or note giving context, associations, or notable use to help you decide quickly.

Dog name ideas that start with Z

NameGenderScientific nameOrigin & Pronunciation
ZadieFemaleCanis lupus familiarisYiddish/English (ZAY-dee)
ZaidaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic/Spanish (ZAY-də)
ZahraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (ZAH-rah)
ZainMaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (ZAYN)
ZaneMaleCanis lupus familiarisEnglish/Hebrew (ZAYN)
ZaydMaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (ZAYD)
ZaynMaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (ZAYN)
ZaraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic/Hebrew (ZAH-rah)
ZariaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisSlavic/Arabic (ZAH-ree-ah)
ZayaUnisexCanis lupus familiarisMongolian/Turkic (ZAY-ah)
ZazuUnisexCanis lupus familiarisAfrican/Invented (ZAH-zoo)
ZedMaleCanis lupus familiarisEnglish (ZED)
ZeeUnisexCanis lupus familiarisEnglish (ZEE)
ZekeMaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZEKE)
ZellaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGerman/African (ZEL-ah)
ZeldaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGermanic (ZEL-dah)
ZenaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZEE-nah)
ZenoMaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZEE-no)
ZenUnisexCanis lupus familiarisJapanese/Sanskrit (ZEN)
ZephyrUnisexCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZEF-er)
ZenithUnisexCanis lupus familiarisEnglish (ZEE-nith)
ZetaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZEE-tah)
ZeraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZARE-ah)
ZevMaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZEV)
ZiaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic/Italian (ZEE-ah)
ZibaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisPersian (ZEE-bah)
ZiggyUnisexCanis lupus familiarisGerman/English (ZIG-ee)
ZinniaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisLatin (ZIN-ee-ah)
ZionUnisexCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZYE-on)
ZiraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic/Swahili (ZEE-rah)
ZivaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZEE-vah)
ZivMaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZEEV)
ZiyaUnisexCanis lupus familiarisArabic/Turkish (ZEE-yah)
ZoeFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZOH-ee)
ZoeyFemaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek (ZOH-ee)
ZolaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisAfrican/Italian (ZO-lah)
ZoraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisSlavic (ZOR-ah)
ZoyaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisSlavic (ZOY-ah)
ZuriFemaleCanis lupus familiarisSwahili (ZOO-ree)
ZuzuUnisexCanis lupus familiarisDiminutive/Invented (ZOO-zoo)
ZumaUnisexCanis lupus familiarisAfrican/Spanish (ZOO-ma)
ZanderMaleCanis lupus familiarisGreek/English (ZAN-der)
ZafiraFemaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (zah-FEE-rah)
ZafirMaleCanis lupus familiarisArabic (ZAH-fir)
ZaireUnisexCanis lupus familiarisAfrican (ZAYr)
ZoltanMaleCanis lupus familiarisHungarian (ZOL-tahn)
ZurielMaleCanis lupus familiarisHebrew (ZU-ree-el)
ZefMaleCanis lupus familiarisAlbanian (ZEF)
ZofiaFemaleCanis lupus familiarisPolish (ZOH-fee-ah)

Descriptions

Zadie
Cheerful short name meaning “princess” or playful nickname; bright, easy-to-call choice for small or spunky dogs.
Zaida
Arabic origin meaning “prosperous” or “fortunate”; elegant, uncommon pick that sounds gentle and distinctive for girls.
Zahra
Means “flower” or “bright” in Arabic; pretty, lyrical name that works well for graceful or white-coated dogs.
Zain
Simple, strong name meaning “beauty” or “grace”; popular, punchy choice that’s easy to call across a park.
Zane
Modern-sounding name often meaning “God’s gracious gift”; crisp and masculine, suits energetic or bold breeds.
Zayd
Classical Arabic name meaning “growth” or “abundance”; short, distinctive and great for an active, growing pup.
Zayn
Variant spelling made famous in pop culture; stylish, single-syllable name for confident dogs.
Zara
Royal-sounding name meaning “princess” or “bloom”; fashionable and easy to say, popular for elegant companions.
Zaria
Means “princess” or related to “dawn”; melodic three-syllable name suitable for dignified or gentle dogs.
Zaya
Short, spirited name meaning “fate” or “victory” in some tongues; playful and uncommon for a memorable pup name.
Zazu
Quirky, perky name popularized in culture; fun and bouncy, great for sassy or vocal dogs.
Zed
Letter-name with crisp sound; short, clear for training and often favored by British owners.
Zee
Playful single-syllable name based on the letter Z; simple and memorable for any size dog.
Zeke
Short form of Ezekiel meaning “God strengthens”; rugged, friendly name often chosen for loyal males.
Zella
Old-fashioned but charming name meaning varies by origin; sweet, vintage feel suited to gentle pets.
Zelda
Old German name meaning “gray fighting maid”; quirky, recognizable—popular among owners who like vintage names.
Zena
Derived from Greek for “guest” or warrior forms; short, elegant and easy to call for an attentive dog.
Zeno
Philosophical Greek name (Zeno of Elea); smart-sounding, distinctive pick for thoughtful or dignified dogs.
Zen
Word-name meaning calm or meditation; minimalist and soothing, great for mellow or well-trained dogs.
Zephyr
Means “west wind”; poetic and breezy, suits quick, graceful dogs or those with a spirited nature.
Zenith
Word-name meaning highest point; bold, modern choice for top-performing or confident pets.
Zeta
Greek-letter name with a sharp, stylish sound; short and sassy, good for small or spunky dogs.
Zera
Hebrew name meaning “seed”; uncommon, soft-sounding option for delicate or thoughtful female dogs.
Zev
Hebrew for “wolf”; short, strong and especially fitting for dog breeds with wolfish looks or personalities.
Zia
Warm name meaning “light” or “aunt” depending on language; gentle and familiar for many owners.
Ziba
Means “beautiful” in Persian; elegant, rare choice that reads softly when called.
Ziggy
Playful nickname-style name; energetic, rock‑n‑roll vibe fits lively, charismatic dogs.
Zinnia
Flower name with a bright, floral feel; feminine and colorful—good for gentle, pretty companions.
Zion
Biblical place name meaning “highest point”; strong, modern and popular as a bold, meaningful pet name.
Zira
Short, exotic-sounding name used in various cultures; sleek and memorable for active females.
Ziva
Means “radiance” or “brightness”; crisp, modern choice often favored for lively, spirited dogs.
Ziv
Means “radiance” or “brightness”; concise and punchy—great for alert, bright-eyed pups.
Ziya
Meaning “light” or “splendor”; lyrical two-syllable option that’s soft and pleasant to call.
Zoe
Classic name meaning “life”; hugely popular, easy to say, and a friendly fit for many dog personalities.
Zoey
Modern spelling of Zoe; equally popular and approachable, often chosen for outgoing companions.
Zola
In some languages means “quiet” or “to love”; short, stylish and increasingly used for pets.
Zora
Means “dawn” in Slavic languages; poetic, gentle name that suits calm or golden-coated dogs.
Zoya
Slavic form of Zoe meaning “life”; elegant and a touch exotic, popular for female pets.
Zuri
Means “beautiful” in Swahili; simple, upbeat and culturally rich—great for striking or friendly pups.
Zuzu
Cute, bouncy nickname-style name; adorable for tiny, playful dogs and very call-friendly.
Zuma
Short, lively name used for pets and people; earthy, friendly sound that suits outdoorsy dogs.
Zander
Short form of Alexander meaning “defender”; modern, strong and versatile for many breeds.
Zafira
Variant of Zafir/Zahra meaning “victorious” or “shining”; graceful, uncommon choice with regal tone.
Zafir
Male form meaning “victorious” or “successful”; crisp and exotic, fits bold, confident dogs.
Zaire
Place-name used as a personal name; strong, two-syllable option that sounds adventurous.
Zoltan
Classic Central European name with a commanding sound; distinctive and memorable for larger breeds.
Zuriel
Biblical/angelic name meaning “my rock is God”; melodic and unique, suited to noble or steady dogs.
Zef
Short, punchy Albanian form of Joseph; minimal and energetic, easy to train to respond.
Zofia
Polish form of Sophia meaning “wisdom”; elegant, international choice that’s less common and very pretty.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.