Disney Characters That Start With Z: Iconic Names

Disney’s large cast of characters goes all the way through the alphabet, so let’s look at some of the most iconic ones that have names starting with ‘Z’.

1. Zarina (Pirate Fairies)

A dust-keeper fairy who is slightly obsessed with blue pixie dust.

While being forbidden to tamper with such a substance, after finding the book Pixie Dust Experiments, Zarina gets more into the topic.

Unfortunately, this gets her kicked out of the Pixie Hollow and she then joins the Skull Rock Pirates, eventually becoming the captain of the crew.

Her control over the dust is almost second to none, even using it to confuse Tinker Bell, Silvermist, Iridessa, Rosetta, Fawn, and Vidia by changing their specialities.

2. Zazu (The Lion King)

A red-billed hornbill that is the top royal advisor to the Pride Lands monarchy. While often trying to guide diplomatically, he is often not taken seriously.

Taking his duties seriously, he can get quite irate and irritated when his good advice is not heeded. The lions including Mufasa, Simba and Nala all took their turns at teasing him, with Scar taking it further by basically torturing him.

However, Zazu’s loyalty can’t be questioned, and it was his warning of Mufasa which saved Simba and Nala from the hyenas.

3. Zephyr (The Hunchback of Notre Dame II)

A young boy who gets along well with Quasimodo, he trusts him deeply and is unconcerned about his appearance. With golden locks and often wearing a tunic, he is a playful and happy child.

After witnessing the stealing of the cathedral’s bells by the circus ringmaster Sarousch, he attempts to keep track of the bell at the danger to his own life, and fortunately is eventually saved by Madellaine and Quasimodo.

4. Zeus (Hercules)

The all powerful God of Mt Olympus who is the de facto king of the other gods, he is Hercules’ father and often the main defender against the Titans as well as heroically defeating that menace in the past.

Caring for his son deeply and generally being affable and easy-going, he doesn’t quite realize the evil plans of his brother Hades, one of which is to usurp Zeus’ throne.

Eventually Hercules is out of Mt Olympus due to the actions of Pain and Panic on the orders of Hades, seeing Zeus needing to guide Hercules back to become a hero and ascend once more.

5. Ziggy the Vulture (The Jungle Book)

One part of the gang of vultures Buzzie, Flaps and Dizzy, their vulture crowns of hair are styled into bowl cuts, with the idea to portray them as the Beatles, complete with Liverpool accents.

While initially just being bored and not sure of what to do, they spot Mowgli and decide to tease him due to his skinny legs, inadvertently allowing Shere Khan to find out his whereabouts.

6. Zipper the Fly (Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers)

Often mistaken for an alien, he is very outgoing and loyal, helping out Monterey Jack whenever he can.

Zipper can’t speak but is still an effective communicator.

However, his temper can get the better of him, requiring his friends to calm him down and prevent him from getting into more trouble.

7. Professor Zündapp (Cars 2)

Often referred to as ‘Z’, he is the leader of the Lemons and is evil, ruthless, and greedy, but possesses a high level of intelligence. 

With a thick German accent, he is first seen on an oil rig, alluding to his big role in the scheme to demonize alternative fuels.

Not against having other cars killed, he is a crime boss who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.

A 1957 Zündapp Janus painted various shades of green, he is unassuming but vicious.

8. Emperor Zurg (Toy Story)

The nemesis of Star Command and all those in the Galactic Alliance, he is often trying to take out Buzz Lightyear while carrying out his own evil plans.

Often appearing as a tall humanoid with a purple robe with black trimming, a black cape and a distinctive helmet with a large yellow frown.