Why is it called Gen-Z?

 Why is it called Gen-Z?

The term Gen Z (short for Generation Z) follows a naming pattern that started earlier:

Baby Boomers → born roughly 1946–1964, named after the post-WWII population “boom.”

Generation X → born roughly 1965–1980, named as the "unknown" or "variable" after Boomers (the “X” was popularized by a 1991 novel by Douglas Coupland).

Millennials / Gen Y → born roughly 1981–1996, called “Y” after “X,” but later became more popularly known as Millennials since they came of age around the year 2000.

Generation Z → born roughly 1997–2012 (dates vary by source). The “Z” simply continues the sequence after X and Y.

So, it’s called Gen Z mainly because of its place in this alphabetical progression (X → Y → Z), not because the letter “Z” itself has a special meaning. Over time, cultural traits and digital life have given Gen Z its own identity—digital natives, raised with the internet, social media, and smartphones.

👉 Do you want me to also explain what names are being suggested for the generation after Gen Z?

After Gen Z, there isn’t yet a universally agreed name for the next generation (those born roughly 2013–late 2020s), but a few names are being suggested and used informally:

Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha) → This is the most common term. Coined by Australian social researcher Mark McCrindle, it follows the Greek alphabet instead of continuing with letters. It refers to children born from around 2010 onward, the first generation fully raised in the 21st century.

Generation Glass → Highlighting their constant use of touchscreens (glass surfaces of tablets, phones, laptops).

iGen → Popularized by psychologist Jean Twenge, emphasizing their upbringing with iPhones, iPads, and the internet.

Gen Tech / Gen AI → Sometimes used in media, reflecting their immersion in technology, AI, and automation.

So far, Gen Alpha has become the most widely accepted label in research, while others are more descriptive nicknames.

👉 Do you want me to also give you predictions on what comes after Gen Alpha (the kids who’ll be born in the 2030s)?