Alternatives to Zoe or Zoey

  1. Xena
    • Origin:

      Pop culture, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "guest, hospitality"
    • Description:

      Likely a variation of the Greek name Xenia, Xena is associated with the the TV Warrior Princess, played by Lucy Lawless back in the 90s. Also used as a diminutive form of Alexina or Zenobia, the name was used as a nickname, or temporary name, for the minor planet now known as Eris. It was chosen when it was still being decided how Eris would be classified, and was selected because it began with X and had the mythological, TV connection.
  2. Zena
    • Origin:

      Variation of Xenia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "guest, hospitality"
    • Description:

      Familiar through the similarly pronounced TV Warrior Princess, Xena, this name ultimately derives from the Greek Xenia, meaning "guest, foreigner, hospitality". Familiar in the early 19th century in the US, it may also be used as a short form of Alexina, Rozina, Zenobia, and similar.
  3. Xoe
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Zoe
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Zoe is one of those popular names that's inspired many spelling variations, and Xoe is one of the new ones. A simple name sure to attract a lot of attention.
  4. Zoella
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "life + girl"
    • Description:

      A modern combo name created from Zoe + Ella – or, in the case of influential British Youtuber Zoella, from Zoë + Elizabeth.
  5. Zaylee
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      A contemporary spin on Hailey, Bailey, and Kailey, using the stylish letter Z and the double -ee ending, Zaylee ticks the boxes as trendy choice for a modern baby. It joined the US Top 1000 back in 2015 and at least 350 girls received the name in a recent year.
  6. Lizzie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Lizzie was commonly used as an independent name in the last half of the nineteenth century. Today Lizzie is still one of the most stylish short forms of Elizabeth, but few U.S. parents put it on the birth certificate.
  7. Zaida
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "properous"
    • Description:

      Could be some disconnect between spelling and pronunciation.
  8. Zaia
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "wicker basket; kind of cloth"
    • Description:

      Joining Maia, Raya, and Kaia, is alluring, evocative Zaia.
  9. Livvy
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Olivia, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"
    • Description:

      Stylish, sweet, and bubbly, Livvy is a familiar short form of the popular Olivia, though it could easily work as a nickname to Olive, Lavinia, or Liv as well. In recent years, however, Livvy has been gaining attention as a standalone option, with 110 baby girls called "just" Livvy in the US in the latest stats.
  10. Zelpha
    • Description:

      Zelpha is an uncommon feminine name with biblical connections, appearing as a variation of Zilpah, who was the handmaid of Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name has Hebrew origins, though its precise meaning is somewhat disputed, with some sources suggesting 'frailty' or 'drooping.' Zelpha enjoyed modest usage in the 19th century, particularly in religious communities, but remained relatively rare. The name has an antique, distinctive quality with its uncommon 'Z' beginning and 'ph' combination. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Zelpha carries a sense of history and biblical connection that appeals to some parents seeking an uncommon name with religious roots. Its vintage sound aligns with the revival of other rare biblical and historical names.
  11. Zaila
    • Origin:

      Variation of Zayla, invented name
    • Description:

      Zayla is a modern invention that's ranked on the US Top 1000 for the past few years. Variation Zaila is still far from that milestone, but however you spell it, this is a name that's rising.
  12. Zeeva
    • Description:

      Zeeva is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the name Ziva or Zivah, meaning 'radiance,' 'light,' or 'brightness.' The alternative spelling with double 'e' gives the name a distinctive, contemporary feel while maintaining its ancient roots. In Hebrew tradition, the name evokes images of luminosity and inner glow, symbolizing beauty and positivity. Zeeva remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal while still being accessible in pronunciation. The name has gained modest attention in recent years as parents increasingly seek meaningful names with cross-cultural significance. With its soft consonants and flowing vowels, Zeeva offers a feminine elegance combined with spiritual depth and visual imagery of light and brilliance.
  13. Zandi
    • Description:

      Zandi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It can be a diminutive of Alexandra (meaning 'defender of mankind'), a short form of names like Zandra or Xandra, or it may have independent origins in African languages. In South Africa, particularly among Zulu speakers, Zandi can mean 'increasing' or 'multiplying.' The name has a contemporary, energetic feel with its punchy 'z' beginning and cheerful ending. Zandi's cross-cultural versatility and modern sound have contributed to its gradual rise as parents seek shorter, distinctive names. Its relative rarity makes it stand out while still being intuitive to pronounce and spell in many languages.

  14. Xen
    • Origin:

      Variation of Japanese Zen, form of Buddhism
    • Description:

      Xen might also be a minimalist reduction of Alexandra.
  15. Zen
    • Origin:

      Japanese, form of Buddhism
    • Description:

      Parents searching for a simple, peaceful name may be attracted to this one.
  16. Zoa
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      Possibly a variation of the ultra-popular Greek Zoe, Zoa was given to around 2 dozen baby girls each recent year.
  17. Paz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"
    • Description:

      Paz, currently represented by actresses Paz Vega and Paz de la Huerts, would make a sparkling middle name choice. It originated as a title of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Peace, and is one of the names that mean peace, derived from the Latin word "pax".
  18. Xiola
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ziola or Zoila, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      A modern invented name, possibly a variation on Ziola, which comes from Greek Zoilos meaning "lively". It appears in several songs by the band Jane's Addiction, inspired by the adopted name of a former girlfriend of one of the band members.
  19. Zoila
    • Origin:

      Greek, “lively”
    • Description:

      A unique relative of Zoe via the Ancient Greek name Zoilos, borne by a 4th century BC cynic philosopher.
  20. Zahar
    • Description:

      Zahar is a feminine name with Slavic origins, though it's also used as a masculine name in some cultures. As a feminine name, it's a variant of Zara or possibly related to the Russian Zakhar (meaning 'remembered by God'). The name has a distinctly exotic and contemporary feel while maintaining cultural roots. Zahar possesses a striking phonetic quality with its strong 'z' sound and breathy ending. While not common in Western countries, it has gained some attention for its uniqueness and cross-cultural appeal. The name's simplicity and distinctive sound make it appealing to parents seeking something both uncommon and easy to pronounce internationally.