Rising since 1985, #1,000 for girls today.
Popularity of Zoya since 1963
Babies named Zoya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 331 |
| 2000s | 846 |
| 2010s | 1,931 |
| 2020s | 1,736 |
Meaning & origin
Zoya is a name that blends Greek and Slavic origins, derived from the Greek word for 'life.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1963, and since the mid-1980s, it has been on a steady upward trajectory, reaching its peak rank of 1000 in 2022. Today, it is given to approximately 1 in 6378 newborns, making it a distinctive but accessible choice. While still outside the top 500, its consistent rise reflects a growing appreciation for international names. The name enjoys particular popularity in Washington state, Connecticut, and Maryland, and remains a fresh alternative to the more common Zoey.
Zoya is a variant of the Greek name Zoe, meaning 'life', and also a Slavic form of the same name. It has been used in Russia and other Slavic countries, often associated with the Byzantine saint Zoe of Rome. In modern times, it has gained popularity in English-speaking countries as a fashionable alternative to Zoe.
Where Zoya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zoya” around the world
Where Zoya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zo, Zoy
Sibling names for Zoya
Names that share Zoya's style, for a brother or sister.
