How would you pronounce Ziva?

[sarahb083]

And what do you think of the name?

zee-vah

But sorry, I don't like it.

Given all you have said, I wouldn't go with it.

Chloe
Amelia

I would say Zee-va.

I quite like it. It has a meaning like ‘life’ in Slavic languages.

Ziva is a bit meh.

I love Priya though.

is it for a boy or a girl?

Gorgeous name

I think NCIS too. I think she was an ex Mossad agent so I would have assumed Jewish heritage if I heard the name

Ziva is very Israeli is it not?
I would find it a little odd in an English/Indian family - although obviously anyone can use any name from another culture they feel like.

@sarahb083 OP, as a londoner and DH's sister being called Zivah, Priya is a far more common name! Know plenty of Priyas, only know 1 Zivah (its not really that common among British Jews)

Reeva with a Z

It is a hebrew name which is unfortunate bc its also the hebrew for gonorrhoea

Zeeva.

Also, although it's not quite my style, I think it is usable and not at all difficult to pronounce or understand.

You mentioned you had Eva on your long list. Probably worth considering that if you do use Ziva you probably can't use Eva for a subsequent baby, and vice versa. Which one do you love more?

With an increase in unique names with odd spellings I don’t think Priya will stand out like you worry it will. It is very pretty. For me personally Ziva stands out more but it is also a very pretty name which I would pronounce Zee-vah

Thank you for all of the replies! I think we'll take Ziva off the short list and narrow it down to Priya, Emma, or Eva.

Similar name suggestions are very welcome :)

I know a Zita (Zee-ta) which is also a good name

I know a Ziva and she pronounces it Zee-va. I think it’s a lovely name!

Zee-va

I like it

I discovered I have numerous ancestors called Ziba and I love that too, but sadly my husband wouldn't entertain it.

Ziva rhymes with Diva. My cat is called Ziva.

I love Eva. Ditching Ziva was a good move...

I know a little girl called Ziva it suits her very much. Her parents are v Christian so I think that’s why it was chosen.

I would pronounce Zeeva and think it's lovely!

It’s French slang for a hoodie but that’s a fairly niche objection, I grant you...

If it's off the list maybe use it as a middle name?

Gorgeous name but I'm a bit puzzled at what other pronunciation there would be other than Zeeva

Zee-va

I'd never heard the name before, but I like it

I love Ziva (Zee-va)

Reminds of Ncis. Which is never a bad thing.

Love priya, why not use it as a middle name, Emma priya sounds lovely