Girls · #31 in 2025
Zoe: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Greek
- Meaning
- Life
- Pronunciation
- ZOH-ee
- Nickname options
- Zo
Origin and meaning
Zoe is the Greek word for life. It has a long history as a given name, including early Christian use. Its brief modern spelling can disguise how far back the name's story reaches.
U.S. popularity
Zoe ranked #31 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 5,646 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #29, reached in 2024. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Zoe is a spunky girl name witha lot of personality. The Z makes it vivid, while the causal "ee" ending keeps it friendly. It is a strong choice for parents who want something short, expressive, and complete without a nickname.
Things to consider
Zoe and Zoey sound identical in English but have separate rankings, with that in mind Zoe might feel a little more common or popular than it's ranking would initially lead you to belive.
If you love Zoe, consider…
- Chloe: Shares the bright ending and lively rhythm.
- Lucy: Offers the same cheerful ease.
- Ivy: Keeps a distinctive consonant in three letters.
- Ruby: Brings a warmer, more vintage sound.
- Mia: Offers another compact, open-vowel choice.
- Phoebe: Adds a little more spelling character.
- Stella: Gives the brightness a firmer shape.
- Zara: Keeps the vivid Z with a different ending.