Where did the name "Gen Z" come from?

Arguably one of the most well-known generations today is Generation Z, commonly referred to as Gen Z.

Generation Z includes people born between 1997 and 2012, although some sources place the range between 1995 and 2010.

Gen Z is recognised for its eccentricities, outspoken nature, diversity, inclusivity, authenticity, and love for 90s-inspired fashion, often referred to as Y2K style.

But how did they get their name, and what does it mean?

Gen Z is the offspring of Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980).

The Z in their name is said to stand for Zoomers, a nod to the fact that they are the first generation to grow up with widespread access to the internet and smartphones.

They are called Zoomers because of the zooming motion they often make with their fingers on touchscreens. Additionally, they are referred to as digital natives, the internet generation, and centennials, as they have grown up immersed in social media and technology.

The internet has profoundly shaped their communication styles and views on social issues, with many Gen Zers becoming content creators and influencers.

ALSO READ: Gen Z vocabulary today, and how millennials struggle to catch up

Who coined the term Gen Z?

The term was first used by researchers and demographers to label the generation that followed Generation Y, or Millennials.

The naming pattern, which started with Generation X, continued with Generations Y and Z. While no single individual is credited with coining Gen Z, it gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s as scholars began studying this generation born into a rapidly evolving digital world.

Interestingly, the name perfectly captures their unique characteristics and behaviours.

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