Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zoe
GirlGreek· “life”
- Meaning
- life
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- ZOH-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #31
- US babies 2025
- 5,646
- Best rank
- #29 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Zoe
Zoe is a Greek name that means “life”.
Zoe is the Greek word for life. Hellenistic Jews used it to translate Eve, whose Hebrew name is also connected with living, and early Christians adopted it for that reason. Several early martyrs bore the name, and it was later used by Byzantine royalty, including an empress who ruled in the eleventh century. In English it stayed fairly rare until the modern era, when its short, bright sound caught on. Today it feels cheerful and contemporary while resting on a very old root. The spelling Zoey is a common alternative, and the diaeresis form Zoë is sometimes used to show both vowels are sounded.
Other spellings with the same sound: Zoey, Zooey.
Popularity over time
Zoe has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 116 different years. Its best national rank was #29 in 2024, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 6,466 were named Zoe. In 2025, 5,646 babies were named Zoe, and it ranked #31 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #816 in 1920, #1,134 in 1950, #1,267 in 1980, #82 in 2000, #31 in 2010, and #31 in 2025. Of the 163,256 US girls named Zoe since records began, 36% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 48,755 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brooklyn, Aaliyah, Aubrey, Lily, and Sophie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zoe ranked highest in District of Columbia, New York, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #5 | 31 |
| New York | #10 | 478 |
| Maryland | #10 | 158 |
| Massachusetts | #12 | 181 |
| New Jersey | #14 | 241 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zoe is usually pronounced ZOH-ee, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with Z and ends in “-oe”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Zoey and Zooey.
Middle names for Zoe
A few middle names that flow with Zoe: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zoe
Similar names
Chloe Girl
KLOH-ee
“young green shoot” · Greek
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Maya Girl
MY-uh
“illusion; also form of Maia” · Sanskrit
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Sophie Girl
SOH-fee
“wisdom” · French
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Khloe Girl
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“young green shoot” · Greek
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Iris Girl
EYE-ris
“rainbow” · Greek
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Georgia Girl
JOR-juh
“feminine of George; farmer” · Greek
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Monroe Unisex
muhn-ROH
“from the Scottish surname Munro” · Scottish
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Kloe Girl
KLOH-ee
“variant of Chloe, green shoot” · Greek
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Cora Girl
KAW-ruh
“maiden” · Greek
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Phoenix Unisex
FEE-niks
“mythical firebird; dark red” · Greek
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Callie Girl
KAL-ee
“beautiful” · Greek
#175
Megan Girl
MEH-guhn
“pearl (Welsh pet form of Margaret)” · Welsh
#889
Lists that include Zoe
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zoe mean?
Zoe is a Greek name that means “life”.
What is the origin of the name Zoe?
Zoe has Greek roots. Zoe is the Greek word for life.
Is Zoe a popular name?
Yes. Zoe ranked #31 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Zoe a boy or girl name?
Zoe is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zoe?
Zoe is usually pronounced ZOH-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings