Zoe is a charming and distinctive female name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "zoe," which means "life." This name has been used throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures.
The most famous Zoe in history was Empress Zoe, who ruled the Byzantine Empire during the 11th century. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and her ability to rule effectively despite the challenges faced by women in leadership positions at that time.
In literature, Zoe has been used as a character name in several works. One notable example is in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," where the character of Jordan Baker is sometimes referred to as "Zoe."
Today, Zoe remains a popular choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter. Its simple yet elegant sound and its positive connotation make it an attractive option.
In summary, Zoe is a Greek-derived name that means "life." It has been associated with historical figures like Empress Zoe and literary characters such as Jordan Baker in "The Great Gatsby." With its pleasant sound and inspiring meaning, Zoe continues to be a beloved choice for parents around the world.
The name Zoe has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century. While there were only around 20-40 births per year with the name Zoe from 1880 to 1970, this number began to rise dramatically starting in the late 1970s. By the 1990s, the annual count of babies named Zoe was consistently above 500, reaching a peak of over 700 births per year between 1998 and 2003. However, since then, the popularity of the name has somewhat decreased, with around 4700-6500 babies named Zoe each year from 2004 to 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 151,810 births with the name Zoe recorded between 1880 and 2023.