How to say it
ZO · ey
ˈzoʊ.i
Feminine
Zoey
Life
What it means
Spelling variant of Zoe, from Greek zōē ('life'). Same root, just the American Y-ending spelling popular since the 2000s.
Zoey is a spelling variant of Zoe, both from the Greek zōē ('life'). The original Greek Zoe was a 3rd-century Christian martyr; the name carries the New Testament resonance of life (zōē aiōnios, 'eternal life'). The Zoey spelling is American and 21st-century, parents reaching for a clearer phonetic Y ending. Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon, 2005-2008) and Zoey Deutch helped cement the spelling. Both Zoe and Zoey have been in the US top 100 for the past decade; Zoey has overtaken the original spelling in some years.
How to spell Zoey
The standard spelling is Zoey. Common variants include Zoe, Zoey, Zoie, but Zoey is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #20 in 2012, currently #69 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Spelling
Zoe and Zoey are the same name with two spellings, pronounced identically. Zoey is the American 21st-century preference; Zoe is the original Greek spelling.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Zoey Deutch American actress, Set It Up and The Politician
- Zoey 101 Nickelodeon series 2005-2008 starring Jamie Lynn Spears
Spelling variants
- Zoe
- Zoey
- Zoie
Names with the same feeling
See Zoey from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Zoey mean?
- Spelling variant of Zoe, from Greek zōē ('life'). Same root, just the American Y-ending spelling popular since the 2000s.
- What does Zoey mean in Greek?
- In Greek, Zoey means "Life." Zoey is a spelling variant of Zoe, both from the Greek zōē ('life'). The original Greek Zoe was a 3rd-century Christian martyr; the name carries the New Testament resonance of life (zōē aiōnios, 'eternal life'). The Zoey spelling is American and 21st-century, parents reaching for a clearer phonetic Y ending. Zoey 101 (Nickelodeon, 2005-2008) and Zoey Deutch helped cement the spelling. Both Zoe and Zoey have been in the US top 100 for the past decade; Zoey has overtaken the original spelling in some years.
- How do you pronounce Zoey?
- Zoey is pronounced ˈzoʊ.i. Say it as ZO-ey, with the stress on the "zo" syllable.
- How do you spell Zoey?
- The standard spelling is Zoey. Common spelling variants include Zoe, Zoey, Zoie.
- Is Zoey a boy or girl name?
- Zoey is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Zoey?
- Zoey ranked #69 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.