Zoey

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZOH-ee /ˈzoʊi/High

Meaning: Life; from Greek zoeHigh

In 30 seconds: A vibrant Greek name meaning 'life,' and the respelling of Zoe. Zoey has climbed into the U.S. top 20 girls' names, favored for its energy and modern spelling.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningLife; from Greek zoe

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 77,223

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Zoey is a phonetic respelling of Zoe, from the Greek zoe, meaning life. Zoe was used by early Greek-speaking Christians as a translation of the Hebrew name Eve, both meaning life. It was popular in the Byzantine Empire and carried by several prominent empresses. The -y spelling reflects American naming convention preferences.

The spelling Zoey overtook Zoe in U.S. usage during the 2000s, when it entered the top 50 and kept climbing. By the 2010s it was in the top 25, and it has remained a top-20 staple. Its bright, energetic feel and simple meaning give it wide appeal across naming styles.

Did you know? Zoe was the name of two Byzantine empresses, making it both a Greek philosophical ideal and a royal name. The modern spelling Zoey became dominant in the U.S. in the 2000s.

Variations

ZoeZoëZooey

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Zoey Deutch (1994–)
American actress known for roles in Everybody Wants Some!! and Not Okay.

If you like Zoey…

Zoe— the classical spelling of the same name — effectively identical in sound

Chloe— fellow Greek name ending in -ee with the same bright, modern feel

Lily— short, cheerful girls' name with nature/life imagery

Maya— equally vibrant, cross-cultural short girls' name in the same top tier

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zoey mean?

Zoey is a Greek name meaning 'life,' a modern spelling of Zoe used by early Christians as a counterpart to Eve.

How do you pronounce Zoey?

It's said ZOH-ee /ˈzoʊi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Zoey a boy or girl name?

Zoey is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Zoey?

Zoey ranks in the U.S. top 20 girls' names, having climbed steadily through the 2000s and 2010s.