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Zoe

Girl name · 5,940 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Zoe: 5,940 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 194 births in 1997.

Of Greek origin, Zoe means "life" and comes directly from the ancient Greek word ζωή (zoē), giving it a beautifully simple, timeless quality. One of the most famous historical bearers was the Byzantine empress Zoe Porphyrogenita, who reigned in the 11th century, while modern namesakes include actress Zoe Saldaña and singer-songwriter Zoë Kravitz, both of whom have brought the name into the spotlight. Though no major place shares the exact name, its root appears in scientific terms like "zoology." A popular variant, Zoey, has risen alongside the original spelling, and the name became especially common in Scotland from the 1990s onward, reflecting a broader Anglophone trend for short, vibrant names with classical roots.