Zooey Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Zooey is a name with Greek origins, meaning 'life'. It evolved from the original Greek name Zoë through Latin before becoming popular in modern English. It is associated with traits of vitality and creativity. The name has no direct biblical relevance, but has gained recognition in contemporary culture through notable personalities.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Zooey"
Pronunciation
/ˈzuːi/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
Zooey is derived from the Greek name 'Zoë', which means 'life'. The name is often associated with the concept of vitality and living.
Meaning
life
Language Evolution
Zoë (Greek), Zoe (Latin), Zooey (modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly through literature and media, including its use in J.D. Salinger's work, which contributed to its modern recognition.
Variants & Derivatives
Zoë, Zoe, Zooie
Modern Popularity & Image
Zooey is perceived as a unique and modern name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Zooey Deschanel - American actress and musician, Zooey Glass - a fictional character in J.D. Salinger's 'Franny and Zooey'
📊 Zooey Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Zooey Name Visualizations
✨ Zooey Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 194 peak births in 2012
Geographic Spread
Popular across 16 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 2 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Zooey" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Zooey". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Zooey" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Zooey"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Zooey"
"Zooey" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4342nd of 35406 | 503 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3246th of 30306 | 596 |
Regional Popularity of "Zooey" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Zooey" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
69.71% 3194th/4582 |
62.45% 3225th/5164 |
47.38% 3465th/7313 |
37.99% 2835th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
64.73% 2579th/3984 |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
53.61% 3657th/6822 |
36.39% 2284th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Zooey"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Zooey" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Zooey" in the United States
The name Zooey is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Zooey has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Zooey' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4342nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3246th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Zooey' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.