Zoe

Pronunciation: [ z-OH-ee ]

Boy Name #4,296 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

The ancient Greek word for life, boldly given to a boy

Greek English American Australian

Classic Modern Playful Gentle Bold

Meaning & Origin

"life"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: Greek

"vivid, alive"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

Things to Know About This Name

Zoe is overwhelmingly used as a girls name — using it for a boy may cause frequent confusion

The Story of Zoe

Zoe is a Greek name meaning life, derived directly from the Greek word zōē. It was used in early Christian communities as a translation of the Hebrew name Eve (Chava), also meaning life. While primarily used as a girls name in the modern era, it was historically gender-neutral in Greek, and some parents today are reclaiming it as a unisex option.

Zoe has been a top-10 girls name in the US, UK, and Australia for over a decade. Using it for a boy is an unconventional choice that some parents make to subvert gender name conventions, following the broader trend of traditionally feminine names crossing to boys.

In Byzantine Christian tradition, Zoe was used as a theological concept meaning divine life or eternal life, distinct from mere biological existence. Empress Zoe of Constantinople (978-1050) was one of the last ruling members of the Macedonian dynasty.

Fun Facts

Zoe was used by early Christians as a translation of Eve (both mean life)
Empress Zoe of Byzantium was instrumental in placing three emperors on the throne

Zoe in Other Languages

Greek Ζωή

Latin Vita

French Vivie

Hebrew Chava/Eva

Spanish Vida

Famous People Named Zoe

Zoe Saldana

Actor

1978

American actress known for Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Avengers: Infinity War

Zoe (Empress of Byzantium)

Royalty

Byzantine Empress (978-1050), one of the last rulers of the Macedonian dynasty

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #4,296
Total SSA Count: 25
Cultural Origins: Greek English American Australian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Pairs Well With

Zoe James Zoe Alexander Zoe Leo Zoe Elliot Zoe Finn Zoe Miles Zoe Jasper Zoe Orion

Sibling Names

Lena Kai Mila Eli Nova Leo Cleo Juno

Also a Girl Name

Zoe is also used as a girl name, ranked #29.

View Zoe as a girl name →

Similar Names

Sophie Zoe Chloe Joe Jose Jodie Cloe Zoie

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Zoe and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Zoe sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more boy names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Zoe

What does the name Zoe mean?

"life" (from Ancient Greek). "vivid, alive" (from Greek). Zoe is a Greek name meaning life, derived directly from the Greek word zōē. It was used in early Christian communities as a translation of the Hebrew name Eve (Chava), also meaning life. While primarily used as a girls name in the modern era, it was historically gender-neutral in Greek, and some parents today are reclaiming it as a unisex option.

What is the origin of the name Zoe?

Zoe has Ancient Greek, Greek, English, American, and Australian origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "life". In Greek, it means "vivid, alive".

Is Zoe a boy or girl name?

Zoe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4296. As a girl name, it is ranked #29. Zoe is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Zoe?

Zoe is pronounced z-OH-ee.

How popular is the name Zoe?

Zoe is currently ranked #4296 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Zoe?

Common nicknames for Zoe include Zo.

What are good middle names for Zoe?

Popular middle name pairings include Zoe James, Zoe Alexander, Zoe Leo, Zoe Elliot, Zoe Finn, Zoe Miles, Zoe Jasper, and Zoe Orion.

What are good sibling names for Zoe?

Names that pair well with Zoe as siblings include Lena, Kai, Mila, Eli, Nova, Leo, Cleo, and Juno.

How many syllables does Zoe have?

Zoe has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Zoe a common or rare name?

Zoe is an uncommon name, ranked #4296 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Zoe

Zoe is a boy name with Greek, English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "life" in Ancient Greek .

Is Zoe a boy or girl name? Zoe is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,296 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #29. Zoe is more commonly used as a girl name.

Zoe is currently ranked #4,296 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Zoe has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-OH-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Zoe include Zo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Zoe