Zoya is a name of Russian origin, derived from the Greek word "Zoe," which means "life." It has been used in Russia since medieval times and has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique sound and meaning.
In Russia, Zoya was often given to girls born on days dedicated to the saint Zoya (or Xenia), who is revered for her courage and devotion. However, unlike many other names with saintly associations, Zoya is not exclusively religious in nature. Instead, it has become a popular choice among secular parents as well.
The name Zoya has been prominent in Russian literature and culture throughout history. In fact, one of the most famous bearers of this name was Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, a Soviet partisan heroine who fought against Nazi occupation during World War II. Her bravery and sacrifice have made her an important figure in Russian history.
Internationally, Zoya gained further recognition through its use in popular culture, such as the character Zoya Solomons from the British television series "The Inbetweeners." Despite its growing popularity worldwide, however, Zoya remains a relatively rare name outside of Russia and other Slavic countries.
The name Zoya has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1963 and 2023, there have been a total of 4367 births registered with the name Zoya.
In the early years, the number of babies named Zoya was relatively low, with only 5 births recorded in 1963. However, beginning in the late 1980s, there was a noticeable uptick in the popularity of the name. In 1988, there were 10 births, followed by 15 births in 1989 and 21 births in 1990.
The mid-1990s marked a turning point for the name Zoya, with a significant jump in popularity. In 1995, there were 45 babies named Zoya, followed by 58 births in 1996. This trend continued into the new millennium, with over 60 births recorded each year between 2000 and 2010.
The most significant increase in popularity occurred between 2013 and 2022, during which time there were over 200 births registered each year. The peak year for the name Zoya was 2022, with a total of 358 babies named Zoya at birth.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that the name Zoya has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past few decades, with a particularly notable increase in recent years.