Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Zed

Zed

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZED /ˈzɛd/High

Meaning: A short form of Zedekiah ('Yahweh is just; the Lord is righteous', Hebrew); also read as the letter Z; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Yahweh is just: Zed shortens Zedekiah — 'the Lord is righteous'. Crisp, bold, and warm.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowHebrew, English
MeaningA short form of Zedekiah ('Yahweh is just; the Lord is righteous', Hebrew); also read as the letter Z; routes layered
U.S. rank (2024)#6167 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births15 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 446

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201818822024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Zed is a short form of Zedekiah — from Hebrew Tsidqiyahu, 'Yahweh is just; the Lord is righteous' (a king of Judah) — and it doubles as the British name for the letter Z (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, bold one-syllable name (nickname Zed).

It registers thinly as a stand-alone name. Rare on its own, Yahweh-is-just at the root, and bold.

Did you know? Zedekiah means 'Yahweh is just; the Lord is righteous' (Hebrew) — Zed is its punchy short form (and also the British name for the letter Z) — crisp and bold (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'ZED').
Overall data confidence 50%
Behind the Name — Zedekiah — routes layered

Variations

ZedekiahZedd

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zed…

Zedekiah— the full name
Zeke— a fellow Z- biblical short boys' name
Jed— a sound-neighbor one-syllable biblical boys' name
Zane— another Z- boys' name

Explore names like Zed

By themeuncertainenglishhebrewbiblicalnickname-name
By meaningGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zed mean?

Zed shortens Zedekiah ('Yahweh is just', Hebrew) and also names the letter Z; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Zed?

It's said ZED /zɛd/ — one syllable.

Is Zed a boy or girl name?

Zed is a boy's name.

How popular is Zed?

Zed is a rare name in the U.S.

💬 Ask Nia