Zoe (Zoey) - Names
Meaning of the name Zoe (Zoey)
Gender:
Female
Meaning:
To live (from Greek: zoion)
History & etymology:
Zoe is a name of Greek origin and means ‘to live’, ‘living being’. It is a translation of the Hebrew name Eve.
Zoe has been commonly used in the English-speaking countries since the 19th century. Historically, the name was popular in the Byzantine Empire and among early Christians.
It was borne by two Christian saints.
One of them lived in Pamphylia at the time of the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Zoe, her husband Hesperus and their sons were slaves of a pagan named Catulus. The whole family refused to take part in pagan act of sacrifice, Catulus had them roasted to death.
The other St. Zoe was a 3rd century Roman noblewoman. She got arrested for her faith and hung by her hair over fire. She died stifled by smoke.
Both saints are commemorated on 2nd May.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Zoey, Zooey, Zoie, Zowie, Zoë
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Czech Republic
27th October: Zoe
France
2nd May: Zoé
Germany
2nd May: Zoë
Greece
24th April: Zoe
Italy
2nd May: Zoe
Poland
2nd May, 16th February, 5th July: Zoja
USA
2nd May: Zoe, Zoey
Famous people named Zoe/Zoey:
Zoe Ball (1970-) - English TV show host
Zoe Belkin (1993-) - Canadian actress
Zoe Bell (1978-) - New Zealand actress
Zoey Burger (1999-) - American actress
Zoe Cramond (1984-) - New Zealand actress
Zooey Deschanel (1980-) - American actress
Zoey Deutch (1994-) - American actress
Zoe Kazan (1983-) - American actress
Zoe Kravitz (1988-) - American actress
Zoe Levin (1993-) - American actress
Zoe Saldana (1978-) - American actress
Zoe Salmon (1980-) - Irish TV show host
Zoe Smith (1994-) - English weight lifter
Zoe Wanamaker (1949-) - American actress
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 33rd
England and Wales: 89th
Canada: 37th
Australia: 8th
New Zealand: 17th
Northern Ireland: 81st
Ireland: 30th
Scotland: 39th
Belgium: 25th
France: 11th
Hungary: 7th
Italy: 73rd
Mexico: 49th
Netherlands: 10th
Spain: 62nd
Switzerland: 36th
Lucky colors: red, brown
Lucky stone: Ruby
Ruling planet: Mars
Characteristics: active, determined, confident, proud, original