Zen is a unique baby name that immediately brings forth thoughts of peace due to its connection to meditation. Zen is also a fun, short unisex name. Keep reading to discover more information about the name.

Meaning of the name Zen:

Japanese for “meditation”.

Origin of the name Zen:

The baby name Zen comes from the word “zen”, which has Japanese, Chinese, and even Sanskrit roots. As a term, it is the Japanese pronunciation of a medieval Chinese word “chán”, a word that’s the abbreviation of “chánnà”. From there, that word is a Chinese transliteration of a Sanskrit word “dhyāna”.

Symbolism of the name Zen:

As a baby name, Zen can symbolize one who will have a more inquisitive, wise, and peaceful nature. Zen has a pleasing vibe that is more artistic, creative, and optimistic.

Style of the name Zen:

Unique.

Gender of the name Zen:

Zen is a unisex name as it’s used for baby boys and baby girls.

Pronunciation of the name Zen:

ZEN

Number of syllables in the name Zen:

One.

Emotion evoked from the name Zen:

When used as a baby name, Zen invokes feelings filled with peace, tranquility, and relaxation.

Alternative spellings for the name Zen:

There are no common alternate spellings for the baby name Zen.

Nicknames for the name Zen:

As a short baby name, Zen doesn’t have popular or common nicknames.

Popularity of the name Zen:

According to the Social Security Index, the baby name Zen has yet to break into the top 1000 of popular names starting from the 1900s and onwards.

Related names for the name Zen:

  • Zarin
  • Ren
  • Zeno
  • Haruko

Great middle names for Zen and their meanings:

Baby Girls

  • Freda (peaceful)
  • Iro (hero; color; peace)
  • Sofia (wisdom)
  • Temperance (virtue name)
  • Serenity (peaceful)
  • Lana (rock; handsome)
  • Julia (youthful; sky father)
  • Kehlani (sea and sky)

Baby Boys

  • Pax (peaceful)
  • Sora (sky)
  • Vivek (wisdom, distinction)
  • Alfie (wise counselor)
  • Humphrey (peaceful warrior)
  • Rainer (wise army)
  • Ansel (with divine protection)
  • Baris (peace)

Famous people with the name Zen:

  • Zen Luzniak (American soccer defender)
  • Zen Gesner (American actor)
  • Zen Kajihara (Japanese theatre actor)

Zens in movies/pop culture:

  • Zen (computer character from TV show Blake’s 7)
  • Zen the Intergalactic Ninja (comic book character)
  • Zen (character from the novel The Suitcase Kid)
  • “Zen” (2009 film)
  • “Zen” (2007 film)
  • “Zen Noir” (2006 film)