Zoe is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Its meaning and history are intertwined with ancient Greek mythology.
The name Zoe originates from the Greek word "ζωή" (zōḗ), which means "life". In Greek mythology, Zoe was one of the three Horae, or Hours, who were goddesses of the seasons, order, and natural law. The Horae were also known as the daughters of Zeus and Themis.
Zoe was often depicted in ancient art alongside her sisters, Auxo (increase) and Carpo (fruitfulness), representing the cycle of life from birth to death. They were associated with the changing seasons and the bounty of nature, making Zoe a symbol of vitality, growth, and renewal.
The name Zoe has been used throughout history and has been borne by several notable figures. One such figure is Saint Zoe, an early Christian martyr who was executed during the Roman emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians in the 3rd century AD.
In medieval times, Zoe was also a popular name among the Byzantine imperial family. Notably, Zoe Porphyrogenita was a Byzantine Empress who ruled from 1042 to 1050. She was known for her intelligence and political acumen, as well as for being the oldest woman to ever rule the Byzantine Empire.
Today, Zoe continues to be a popular given name among English-speaking families. It has been used widely since the late 19th century and has gained further popularity in recent decades, thanks in part to its association with vitality and life. In some cultures, Zoe is also used as a unisex name, reflecting its original meaning of "life".
The name Zoe has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. Between 1970 and 2023, there were a total of 558 babies named Zoe, with the number of births varying year by year.
In the early years recorded, from 1970 to 1977, Zoe was not a particularly popular name, with an average of only about six births per year. However, starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s, we began to see a steady increase in the number of babies named Zoe each year.
The years 1991 to 2004 were particularly notable for the name Zoe, with at least 15 births every year during this period. The peak popularity was reached in 2004, with an impressive 26 births that year. This trend continued until around 2010, after which there was a slight decrease in popularity.
Despite this decrease, Zoe remained a popular name throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s. In recent years, the number of babies named Zoe has been steadily increasing again, with 23 births recorded in 2022 and 11 births so far in 2023.
This data demonstrates that while Zoe may not have always been one of the most popular names in the United States, it has certainly gained traction over time. It is now a well-established name with a considerable number of bearers across several generations.