Zooey

♀ Girl

Pronounced ZOH-ee /ˈzoʊ.i/High

Meaning: A spelling of Zoe, from the Greek zoe, 'life.' Familiar from actress Zooey Deschanel - and, as a boy's name, from J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey. Bright and modern.Low

In 30 seconds: A bright form of Zoe: Zooey means 'life' (said 'ZOH-ee'). Known from Zooey Deschanel; also Salinger's Zooey.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningA spelling of Zoe, from the Greek zoe, 'life.' Familiar from actress Zooey Deschanel - and, as a boy's name, from J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey. Bright and modern.

U.S. rank (2024)#15234 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,099

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Zooey is a form of Zoe, from the Greek zoe ('life'). It is best known through Zooey Deschanel, though Salinger's Zooey is a male character - a bright, modern name, rare in the U.S. (said 'ZOH-ee').

It appears only rarely in the U.S. Rare, bright, and modern.

Did you know? Zooey is a playful spelling of Zoe, Greek for 'life' - carried by actress Zooey Deschanel, and used for the male character in J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey (said 'ZOH-ee').

Overall data confidence 48%

References - Zooey — Zoe form; Greek 'life'; Zooey Deschanel; Salinger character

Variations

ZoeZoeyZoie

Nicknames

ZoeZo

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Zooey…

Zoe— the classic spelling

Zoey— a like Zoe form

Chloe— a like Greek -oe name

Phoebe— a like bright Greek name

Explore names like Zooey

By thememodern greek variant-spelling bright

By meaningLight Life

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zooey mean?

Zooey is a form of Zoe, Greek for 'life,' known from Zooey Deschanel and Salinger's Zooey.

How do you pronounce Zooey?

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

Is Zooey a boy or girl name?

Zooey is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Zooey?

Zooey is extremely rare in the U.S.