This list covers 15 Italian girl names that start with Z, from “Zaira” to “Zuleika”. Most of these names are rare, with soft sounds and roots in Greek, Arabic, and Slavic languages. You can use them to find a distinctive name for a baby or a character in a story. They also help if you want to learn where an Italian name comes from.

Italian girl names are first names given to girls in Italy, often shaped by saints, opera, theater, and history. A good example is “Zita,” a Tuscan name kept alive by Saint Zita of Lucca, the patron saint of domestic workers.

Below you’ll find the table with the name, pronunciation, meaning, and description of each one.

Name: the Italian spelling of each name, listed alphabetically so you can quickly scan the options and find the ones you like.

Pronunciation: a simple guide to saying each name the Italian way, so you can speak it with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

Meaning: the origin and translation of each name, which helps you see what it stands for and choose one with a message you like.

Description: a short note on the history, saints, or stories linked to each name, and how common it is in Italy today.

Italian girl names

NamePronunciationMeaning
ZairaZAH-ee-rahRose or flower (of Arabic origin)
Zanobiadzah-NO-bee-ahLife of Zeus
Zefiradzeh-FEE-rahWest wind
Zefirinadzeh-fee-REE-nahLittle west wind
Zelindadzeh-LEEN-dahUncertain, possibly zeal and gentleness
ZeliaDZEH-lee-ahZeal or devotion
ZenaDZEH-nahHospitable or stranger (from Greek)
Zenaidedzeh-NAH-ee-dehOf Zeus
Zenobiadzeh-NO-bee-ahLife of Zeus
ZitaDZEE-tahGirl or little girl (Tuscan)
ZoeDZOH-ehLife
ZoraDZOH-rahDawn
Zoraidedzoh-RAH-ee-dehUncertain, possibly dawn
ZosimaDZOH-zee-mahLikely to survive
Zuleikadzoo-LEH-ee-kahBrilliant or fair (Arabic)

Descriptions

Zaira
A rare Italian name of Arabic roots, made known by Voltaire’s play “Zaïre” and the opera “Zaira.” It is still used in Italy, especially in the north.
Zanobia
The Italian form of Zenobia, linked to the warrior queen of Palmyra. It also recalls Saint Zenobius, the patron saint of Florence.
Zefira
A poetic name taken from Zephyrus, the Greek god of the gentle west wind. It is uncommon but has a soft, springlike sound.
Zefirina
A diminutive of Zefira, used in Italy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is now quite rare.
Zelinda
A literary name popularized by 18th-century Italian theater, including works by Carlo Goldoni. It is old-fashioned today but still recognized.
Zelia
A name from the Greek root for zeal, used in Italy since the 19th century. Saint Zélie Martin made the French form well known.
Zena
A short form of names such as Zenaide, tied to the Greek word for guest. It is found in some regions of Italy and is fairly rare.
Zenaide
From the Greek Zenais, related to Zeus. Saint Zenaida was an early Christian martyr, which kept the name in occasional use.
Zenobia
The name of the third-century queen of Palmyra who challenged Rome. In Italy it is rare and now mostly of historical interest.
Zita
Saint Zita of Lucca, a 13th-century servant, is the patron saint of domestic workers. The name is Tuscan in origin and has stayed in use there.
Zoe
A Greek name meaning life that early Christians used to translate the biblical Eve. It is a popular choice in Italy today.
Zora
A name meaning dawn, borrowed from Slavic languages and used in Italy, especially in the north-east near the border.
Zoraide
An operatic name seen in Rossini’s works, such as “Zoraide di Granata.” It is very uncommon as a given name.
Zosima
The feminine form of Zosimo, from a Greek word for survival or vitality. It belonged to early Christian saints and is now very rare.
Zuleika
The Italian spelling of Zuleikha, the name given in tradition to Potiphar’s wife. It is unusual and has a literary, exotic feel.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.