Girl name · Greek
Zoe
“life”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Zoe.
Explore Zoe further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Zoe — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Zoe is simply the Greek word for life, and it was chosen by Alexandrian Jewish translators to render Eve — whose Hebrew name Chavah also means life — which makes Zoe and Eve the same name arriving by two different routes.
It was used by early Greek Christians, vanished from English until the nineteenth century, and has climbed steadily since the 1990s. It is currently a US top-35 name at number 31, with Zoey close behind as a separate entry.
Zo is the only short form it needs. Two syllables take a long middle well (Zoe Evangeline, Zoe Marguerite). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist with a Whimsical lightness.
More Greek names
Zoe sits in our Greek set — these share its roots.
All Greek names →Zoe — common questions
Is Zoe a boy or girl name?
Zoe is traditionally a girl name of Greek origin.
What does the name Zoe mean?
Zoe means “life” of Greek origin. Zoe is simply the Greek word for life, and it was chosen by Alexandrian Jewish translators to render Eve — whose Hebrew name Chavah also means life — which makes Zoe and Eve the same name arriving by two different routes.
Where does the name Zoe come from?
Zoe is Greek in origin. It was used by early Greek Christians, vanished from English until the nineteenth century, and has climbed steadily since the 1990s. It is currently a US top-35 name at number 31, with Zoey close behind as a separate entry.
What are common nicknames for Zoe?
Zo and Zozo — the short-forms parents most often use for Zoe.
How popular is Zoe?
Zoe did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Zoe you might want for the nursery.