The name Zinc is derived from the German, 'zinc', which may in turn be derived from the Persian word 'sing', meaning stone.

The symbol of Zinc is 'Zn' because it's derived from its Latin name 'Zincum'. Like many other elements, the Latin names are used in their symbols for standardization purposes globally in scientific communications.  The Latin name for zinc is Zincum, which means "white thin layer" or "white sediments".

There is some evidence that the Greeks knew of the existence of zinc and called it pseudargyras, or “false silver,” but they had no method of producing it in quantity.

Here are some interesting facts about zinc:

• Essential nutrient: The body can't produce or store zinc, so it's an essential nutrient. 
• Immune system: Zinc is important for immune function, white blood cell formation, and more than 300 enzymatic reactions. 
• Wound healing: Zinc is important for effective wound healing. 
• Growth and development: Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. 
• Taste and smell: Zinc is important for your sense of taste and smell. 
• Galvanizing: Zinc's primary use is in the galvanizing process, which protects iron and steel from rusting. 
• Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral compound that's often used in sunscreen to block UV rays. It's also used in skincare for its soothing properties. 
• Brass: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. 
• Diarrhea: Zinc supplementation can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. 
• Carbonic anhydrase: Zinc is an integral part of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is found in high concentrations in red blood cells. 
• Earth's crust: Zinc makes up an estimated 0.004% of the earth's crust. 
• Melting point: Zinc melts at 420°C. 

You can get enough zinc from zinc-rich foods, like oysters, beef, and beans. 

Just the facts:

Zinc Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster