Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Zoya
GirlRussian, Greek· “life”
- Meaning
- life
- Origin
- Russian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- ZOY-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,002
- US babies 2025
- 252
- Best rank
- #792 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Zoya
Zoya is a Russian and Greek name that means “life”.
Zoya is the Russian form of the Greek name Zoe, which means life. The Greek word zoe appears in early Christian writings, and the name became especially popular among Greek-speaking Christians and later throughout the Orthodox world. Zoya remains well known in Russia and other Slavic countries, and it is also used in India. The name is short, bright and easy to pronounce. It feels spirited and international, with a touch of vintage charm. Zoy is a possible nickname, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Zoya first appears in US Social Security records in 1963. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 2020. Its best national rank was #792 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 358 babies. In 2025, 252 babies were named Zoya, and it ranked #1,002 nationally. That is 46% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,544 in 2000, #1,520 in 2010, and #1,002 in 2025. Of the 4,885 US girls named Zoya since records began, 40% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,736 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Berkley, Emberlynn, Zayla, Jianna, and Aspyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zoya ranked highest in Washington, New York, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #451 | 16 |
| New York | #547 | 31 |
| Connecticut | #624 | 5 |
| Maryland | #650 | 8 |
| California | #753 | 42 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Zoya is usually pronounced ZOY-uh, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Zoya
A few middle names that flow with Zoya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zoya
Similar names
Asya Girl
AHS-yuh
“variant of Asia, or short for Anastasia” · Russian
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Sonya Girl
SOHN-yuh
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Miya Girl
MEE-yuh
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Riya Girl
REE-yuh
“uncertain; Indian name” · Hindi
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Diya Girl
DEE-yuh
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Kya Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Nya Girl
NY-uh
“modern name; uncertain origin” · American (modern coinage)
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Priya Girl
PREE-yuh
“beloved, dear” · Sanskrit
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Reya Girl
RAY-uh
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Zaya Girl
ZY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Niya Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Liya Girl
LEE-uh
“uncertain; related to Leah or Lia” · Hebrew
#1,344
Lists that include Zoya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zoya mean?
Zoya is a Russian and Greek name that means “life”.
What is the origin of the name Zoya?
Zoya has Russian and Greek roots. Zoya is the Russian form of the Greek name Zoe, which means life.
Is Zoya a popular name?
Not especially. Zoya ranked #1,002 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Zoya a boy or girl name?
Zoya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Zoya?
Zoya is usually pronounced ZOY-uh. 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