2001, Wagner and...either coughing or toothpaste.

Yes, the name is actually that of an ancient prophet, who's name (and most derivatives) mean something along the lines of 'He who herds camels.'

Not nearly as fantastical as what most people think of when they hear the name. Anyways, this has helped with decisions upon one of my characters, who will be revealed when I one day ask for Permission.

Thanks!

Anyway, the word made me think of zombies.

Not even anything zombie-related in particular, just a sort of general zombie-ness, which doesn't really make any sense.

After a couple minutes, I started thinking about Zoroastrianism, which then led to several badly-written lines of scribbled dialogue about a crossover between those two concepts.

To say the least, it was strange.

I'd say it sounds like the sort of name someone would bestow on themselves after they rise to a position of power, and felt that they no longer would should be tied to their previous one, which would probably have been something mundane, with only one or two syllables.
It's an overblown sort of name, like the being who created it and expected it to be said alongside a few grandiose titles. So, it gives the preface for arrogance and ego in the character. Of course, whether he acknowledges that the name is overblown or whether he thinks it's fitting for him would be important bits of reference for further analysis.

"Thus Spake Zarathustra", a.k.a. the opening music to "2001: A Space Odyssey".

I'll stay quiet about the other meaning.

It makes me think of Zathura, first of all, and secondly it makes me think of the name my brother gave to his foam scythe one Halloween. It also causes me to get the Time Warp stuck in my head because I read it incorrectly and thought it said Zarathrustra. Now that I have read it properly, the first two points are all that come to mind.

I actually rather like it, though; I have a thing for long and complicated names. A warrior, maybe? Perhaps something to do with horses?

-Aila

My first thought was that it sounded like the name of a country in a fantasy setting, probably a 'swords and sorcery' type RPG or something.

It seems interesting, a bit fantastical. Honestly, my first thoughts were "overkill" and "What if you have fans who want to rave about him/her who can't spell it?" I suppose you could have a catchy nickname, like Zara or Rathy, and if it does have a fitting meaning that will be explained in the story, then I think it would be fine. Overall, it's a bit elaborate for my taste, but it could work, especially if it was indeed significant to the plot or char-dev.

-- Len

My sister and I both think it comes from an ancient culture, possibly Sumerian or Persian. Something to do with Zoroastrianism? It seems mystical and religious.

I have the music to Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra in my head now (aka theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey).

I actually know what the name means, so I'll stay quiet otherwise.

Elcalion, Classical music nerd.

As I know what the name means, I'll tell you the second thing I think about: Nietzsche.

I know it's part of the title of a book by a certain author whose last name starts with N, but I always think of Zathura when I see it.

Latin derived, scholar or high ranking official. If not in historical context, I would suspect a cat-on-the-keyboard name.

I... can't say it because I know what Zarathustra actually is?

...

Ah, screw it, I think Frederic Delius, if only for the Mass of Life.

...I think of a star system, millions of light-years away from Earth.

I think of the song too.

Also sprach Zarathustra. That song thing that goes:
Dun.... Dun... Dun..... DUN DUUUNNNN!
That's what I think of, you can blame my identity as a band kid.