Zoey is a name that sparkles with kinetic energy. While it carries the weight of ancient history, this specific spelling feels distinctly American, modern, and full of zest. It strikes a rare balance: it is substantial enough for a future CEO yet approachable enough for the girl next door. Unlike its more stoic sister spelling “Zoe,” the addition of the “y” gives the name a playful, phonetic finish that parents in the United States have fallen in love with.
At its core, Zoey is a celebration of vitality. Derived from the Greek word for “life,” it is a name that implies spirit, movement, and joy. It is often viewed as a Hellenized translation of the biblical Eve, connecting it to the very concept of existence itself. It creates a vibe that is sunny, unpretentious, and undeniably sweet.
Verdict: Zoey is the ultimate “happy” name. It is a fantastic choice for a baby born in 2025 because it offers the familiarity of a classic without feeling dusty. It fits perfectly alongside other popular vowel-heavy names but retains a snappy consonant start that makes it stand out in a crowd.
Zoey Overview
- Meaning: Zoey means “life” and could also be translated as “to give life” or “to breathe.”
- Gender: Zoey is a girl’s name.
- Origin: Zoey comes from the Greek word “zoi.” It may have possibly been a translation of the biblical figure Eve.
- Pronunciation: “zoh-ee.”
- Popularity: Zoey is a popular choice in the United States and ranked 38th for newborn girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: Zozo, Zoe, Zo.
- Variations: Zara (Arabic/Hebrew), Zeva (Greek) Zoe (Greek), Zoie (Greek), Zoë (Greek).
- Namesakes: Zoey Deutch (American actress), Zoey Goralski (American soccer player).
What Does Zoey Mean?
The name Zoey is a masterclass in simplicity and depth. It comes directly from the Greek word zoē, which translates literally to “life.”
However, the connotations go deeper than just biological existence. In ancient Greek philosophy, zoē referred to “life” in the absolute sense, eternal and infinite life, as opposed to bios, which referred to a specific, finite lifestyle. Therefore, naming a child Zoey is like bestowing a blessing of vitality and eternal spirit upon them.
Because it was used by Hellenized Jews as a translation for Eve (Chavah), which means “to breathe” or “to give life,” the name carries a subtle theological weight. It serves as a bridge between the classical Greek world and biblical tradition (1).
Where Does the Name Zoey Come From?
Zoey has a Greek origin. While the spelling “Zoe” has been used for centuries in the Byzantine Empire (borne by reigning empresses like Zoë Porphyrogenita), the spelling “Zoey” is a distinctly English and largely American variation.
The name’s journey began in the 3rd century with the Alexandrian Jews who translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek (the Septuagint). They adopted “Zoe” as the Greek equivalent of Eve. The name was later adopted by early Christians, bolstered by two saints: Saint Zoe of Rome, a martyr who was voiceless until a miracle restored her speech, and Saint Zoe of Pamphylia (2).
While “Zoe” remained popular in Eastern Europe and Greece for millennia, the “Zoey” spelling is a modern adaptation, created to ensure the second syllable is pronounced clearly in English speaking countries.
How Popular is the Name Zoey?
Zoey is a certified modern hit. While the original spelling “Zoe” has been on the charts since the late 19th century, “Zoey” (with a Y) was virtually non-existent in the US until the 1990s. This spelling is a phenomenon of the turn of the millennium.
It debuted in the top 1,000 in 1995 and skyrocketed with impressive speed. By 2008, it had cracked the Top 100, overtaking the traditional spelling “Zoe.” It peaked near the Top 20 in the early 2010s (3). While it has cooled slightly from its absolute zenith, it remains a “Top 50” staple. This trajectory suggests that Zoey has transitioned from a trendy newcomer to a modern classic that defines a generation of girls born in the 21st century.
How Do I Pronounce Zoey?
The beauty of the “Y” ending is that it removes ambiguity. The name is pronounced ZOH-ee.
The emphasis is placed on the first syllable. It rhymes with “Joey.” This spelling avoids the confusion sometimes found with “Zoe,” which is occasionally mispronounced as “Zo” (rhyming with Joe) by those unfamiliar with the name, or “Zoh-eh” in certain European dialects.
Is Zoey a Boy or Girl Name?
Zoey is traditionally and strictly a girl’s name. While the sound “Zo” can appear in male names (like Lorenzo or Enzo), the specific name Zoey has no history of masculine usage. For parents seeking a similar sound for a boy, “Joey” or the Hebrew name “Ziv” are common alternatives.
Variations of Zoey
Because this name has traveled through history from Ancient Greece to modern California, it has taken on many forms. Here are the most distinct variations:
- Zoe (Greek), The original, classic spelling.
- Zoë (Greek/Dutch), The diaeresis dots indicate the vowels are pronounced separately.
- Zoie (English), A creative respelling often found in the US.
- Zoi (Greek), The modern transliteration of the Greek word.
- Zara (Arabic/Hebrew), While distinct, it shares the “Z” opening and similar popularity.
- Zoya (Russian/Slavic), The Eastern European form of Zoe.
- Zowie (English), A rare variation made famous by David Bowie’s son (who later changed his name).
Nicknames for Zoey
Zoey is short and sweet, so it doesn’t require a nickname, but affectionate diminutives are always fun. Here are some common and creative options:
- Zo: The most natural, snappy short form.
- Zozo: A playful, repetitive nickname often used for toddlers.
- Zee: Simple and cool, focusing on the letter itself.
- Z-Bug: A cute “critter” style nickname for a little one.
- Zo-Bear: A cozy, affectionate option.
- Joey: A tomboyish spin on the name.
Names Similar to Zoey
If you love the upbeat vibe of Zoey but want something slightly different, consider these options that share its structure or spirit:
- Chloe: Like Zoey, this is a Greek name ending in the “ee” sound. It means “blooming.”
- Sophie: Another Greek classic (meaning Wisdom) that feels light yet substantial.
- Sadie: Shares the vintage-revival feel and the energetic “ee” ending.
- Phoebe: Offers the same Greek etymology and happy sound profile.
- Mia: Short, vowel-heavy, and incredibly popular.
- Zola: For parents who want to keep the “Z” but want something earthier and rarer.
- Zuri: A Swahili name meaning “beautiful” that shares the initial Z.
- Harper: Shares the modern, trendy status of Zoey.
Middle Names for Zoey
Zoey is a two-syllable trochee (stressed-unstressed), which makes it versatile. It pairs best with a longer, lyrical middle name or a punchy one-syllable choice. Here are curated lists to help you find your style:
Classic & Timeless
Modern & Spunky
Nature-Inspired
Sibling Names for Zoey
Building a sib-set around Zoey means looking for names that are current favorites but have rooted histories.
For a Brother
- Caleb: Biblical and gentle, it balances the zest of Zoey.
- Liam: The ultimate modern hit to match Zoey’s popularity.
- Owen: A soft, vowel-led name that flows well with Zoey.
- Wyatt: Adds a bit of Western ruggedness next to the chic Zoey.
- Noah: A timeless classic that never feels out of place.
For a Sister
- Ava: A palindrome that matches Zoey in length and popularity.
- Charlotte: Provides a slightly more traditional anchor.
- Ruby: Another spunky two-syllable name ending in Y.
- Lily: Floral and sweet, a perfect match for “Life.”
- Mila: Modern, European flair that complements Zoey’s Greek roots.
Famous People Named Zoey
The name has been embraced by Hollywood and the sports world alike. Notable women with this name include:
- Zoey Deutch: An American actress known for her roles in Set It Up and The Politician.
- Zooey Deschanel: The actress and singer (She & Him) who brought vintage charm to the name, albeit with a unique spelling.
- Zoey Goralski: An American professional soccer player.
- Zoey Ivory: A Dutch model and beauty queen, crowned Miss Nederland 2016.
- Zoe Saldana: While she uses the traditional spelling, the Avatar actress is a major reason for the name’s sound permeating pop culture.
Zoey in Pop Culture
If you feel like you hear the name Zoey everywhere on TV, you aren’t imagining things. It is a favorite choice for screenwriters wanting a character who is smart and relatable.
- Zoey Brooks: The titular character of the Nickelodeon smash hit Zoey 101, played by Jamie Lynn Spears.
- Zoey Johnson: The fashion-forward daughter in Black-ish and the protagonist of the spinoff Grown-ish.
- Zoey Bartlet: The youngest daughter of President Jed Bartlet in the acclaimed series The West Wing.
- Zoey Pierson: A recurring character and environmentalist in How I Met Your Mother.
- Zoey Redbird: The protagonist of the bestselling House of Night vampire book series.
FAQs About the Name Zoey
Here are answers to the most common questions parents ask when considering this lively name.
Is Zoey Popular Due to Famous Celebrities?
While there is no definitive answer to this question, Zoey’s rise up the baby name charts has corresponded with prominent bearers of the name. For instance, it first surged through the rankings when celebrity couple Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet named their daughter Zoe in 1989. Likewise, “Zoey 101” dominated Nickelodeon for three years while “New Girl” brought Zooey Deschanel into mainstream consciousness. During this period, the name reached a high of 20 in the top 1000 choices for girls.
What Is the Personality Type of Zoey?
People with the name Zoey are often thought to be extroverted, perceiving, and natural learners. In numerology, the name corresponds to the number 1, representing leadership, independence, and ambition. Zoeys are often viewed as compassionate, creative, and natural optimists who are great at coming up with ideas.
Does Zoey Have Any Associated Colors?
As with all names, Zoey has acquired color connections. It is frequently associated with vibrant shades like violet, red, and ruby, likely due to the “Z” sound which often evokes energy and heat. If you’re planning on painting a nursery, these energetic tones can be a fun way to honor the name.
Is Zoey a Biblical Name?
Zoey itself does not appear in the Bible as a proper name. However, it has deep biblical ties. It is the Greek translation used for the Hebrew name Eve (Chavah) in the Septuagint Bible. Because Eve means “life” or “to breathe,” Zoey is considered the Hellenized equivalent of the first woman in the Bible.
What Is the Difference Between Zoey and Zoe?
The primary difference is origin and phonetics. Zoe is the traditional Greek spelling used for centuries. Zoey is a modern Americanized spelling variation. The addition of the “y” was likely popularized to ensure English speakers pronounced the final “e” sound (Zoh-ee) rather than rhyming it with Joe. Currently, Zoey is slightly more popular in the US than the original Zoe.
