Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zoey
GirlGreek, English· “life”
- Meaning
- life
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- ZOH-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #69
- US babies 2025
- 3,427
- Best rank
- #20 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Zoey
Zoey is a Greek and English name that means “life”.
Zoey is an English spelling of Zoe, the Greek word for life. Zoe was used by early Christians and by Byzantine empresses, while Zoey developed as a phonetic variant that shows English speakers exactly how to say it. The y ending gives it a playful look, and it has become as familiar as the original in the United States. Because it is short and bright, Zoey suits a small child and still sounds natural for an adult. It pairs well with longer, more traditional middle names that balance its lightness. Zoe and Zoë are the other common spellings.
Other spellings with the same sound: Zoe, Zooey.
Popularity over time
Zoey first appears in US Social Security records in 1967. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1995. Its best national rank was #20 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 7,482 babies. In 2025, 3,427 babies were named Zoey, and it ranked #69 nationally. That is 51% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #410 in 2000, #47 in 2010, and #69 in 2025. Of the 115,332 US girls named Zoey since records began, 56% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 26,222 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Brooklyn, Aubrey, Lily, Aaliyah, and Sophie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zoey ranked highest in Michigan, Nevada, and North Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #46 | 124 |
| Nevada | #50 | 37 |
| North Dakota | #52 | 15 |
| New Mexico | #58 | 20 |
| Alaska | #59 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zoey is usually pronounced ZOH-ee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Zoe and Zooey.
Middle names for Zoey
A few middle names that flow with Zoey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zoey
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Lists that include Zoey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zoey mean?
Zoey is a Greek and English name that means “life”.
What is the origin of the name Zoey?
Zoey has Greek and English roots. Zoey is an English spelling of Zoe, the Greek word for life.
Is Zoey a popular name?
Yes. Zoey ranked #69 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Zoey a boy or girl name?
Zoey is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zoey?
Zoey 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