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Baby names

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Original poster

Need opinions from people named Zoe/Zoey

64 replies

prigekhas · 15/06/2026 06:04

We are deciding on names for our new daughter. Zoe is our front runner.

Husband prefers Zoey spelling. I prefer Zoe, but I met an adult Zoe who said everyone pronounces it wrong. My husband also knows someone who said the same thing.

So, people who have or have used the name Zoe/Zoey, tell me your experience. Do people pronounce it correctly? Anything else I should know before we choose this name?

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Crucible · 26/06/2026 19:37

atamlin · 26/06/2026 16:42

Zoe means life in Ancient Greek. Zoey does not.

Just FYI it is the Greek of the Hebrew name Eve. It means Mother of Life.

atamlin · 26/06/2026 16:42

Zoe means life in Ancient Greek. Zoey does not.

LittleRobins · 26/06/2026 16:35

Zoe is better. It’s a lovely normal name.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 26/06/2026 15:16

TeenToTwenties · 15/06/2026 17:46

In theory yes, but in practice the vast majority of people in the UK know it is pronounced Zo/ee even without the double dots.

Show quote history

Like “pint” rhymes with “hint”?

Zoe is well known enough for people to know it’s pronounced Zo-ee, and for many people to know it’s really spelt Zoë, but the diaresis is tricky when typing.

FWIW, my sister is called Zoë and loves her name. It was a very well used name amongst the people I went to secondary school with. They were all very cool. I think it’s a great name.

ETA. Zoey is more common in popular culture, but Zoë/Zoe is the classic spelling. I suppose like Julz or Jules.

Marwoodsbigbreak · 26/06/2026 14:02

Zoe

TeenToTwenties · 26/06/2026 13:40

Bellybellas · 26/06/2026 12:32

Zoe is pronounced like Joe or Toe

Zoë is pronounced Zo-ee

Phonetically maybe, but not in common usage. In common usage Zoe is pronounced zo-ee.

Bellybellas · 26/06/2026 12:32

Zoe is pronounced like Joe or Toe

Zoë is pronounced Zo-ee

Crucible · 26/06/2026 10:09

It's Zoë...you are right and your DH is wrong..no y necessary.

Original poster
prigekhas · 26/06/2026 09:23

We are deciding on names for our new daughter. Zoe is our front runner.
Husband prefers Zoey spelling. I prefer Zoe, but I met an adult Zoe who said everyone pronounces it wrong. My husband also knows someone who said the same thing.
So, people who have or have used the name Zoe/Zoey, tell me your experience. Do people pronounce it correctly? Anything else I should know before we choose this name? https://9apps.ooo

I got this,...

OP posts:
Blipette · 16/06/2026 19:49

I worked with a girl who spelt her name Zoie as an alternative I guess.

bugalugs45 · 16/06/2026 07:11

Just to throw in the mix I know a Zowie , but I always prefer the standard spelling so my vote is Zoe

OrdinaryGirl · 16/06/2026 07:06

Bellybellas · 15/06/2026 17:42

Zoe rhymes with Toe and Joe

That’s why it needs to be spelt correctly - Zoë 😊

Frodocheerio · 16/06/2026 07:04

SoftAsSteel · 15/06/2026 20:57

Same. I can’t even think how you could mispronounce Zoe? Zoe likes toe?

Show quote history

There was a celebrity stylist called Rachel Zoe who was very du jour a few years back. I read something on her that explained her surname was pronounced rhyming with Joe/ toe and it stuck in my mind as quite unusual. So it seems the examples getting on people’s nerves on this thread are Americanisms.

HoppityBun · 15/06/2026 21:12

StevieNic · 15/06/2026 20:39

The name is Zoë a Christian name recognisable all around the world. Zoey is a character from Kpop demon hunters.

Do you mean it’s a first name? It’s from the Greek word for life.

TheCurious0range · 15/06/2026 21:06

Bellybellas · 15/06/2026 17:42

Zoe rhymes with Toe and Joe

Are you not from the UK?

SoftAsSteel · 15/06/2026 21:03

Same. I can’t even think how you could mispronounce Zoe? Zoe likes toe?

Gowlett · 15/06/2026 21:02

To me Zoe would be the girl equivalent of Ben.
Just a meh name. In my opinion, of course!

marieeewonders1970 · 15/06/2026 21:00

Don’t let the husband pick. Zoey like joey? But flat mates say they like Zoe.

Honeyhonay · 15/06/2026 21:00

How are all the people around you pronouncing Zoe wrong?? I don’t think ever even heard even two variations of it?

SoftAsSteel · 15/06/2026 20:57

Zapx · 15/06/2026 07:22

Zoe. I’ve never known anyone mispronounce it tbh

Same. I can’t even think how you could mispronounce Zoe? Zoe likes toe?

NamingNoNames · 15/06/2026 20:56

Bellybellas · 15/06/2026 17:42

Zoe rhymes with Toe and Joe

Only if you are completely new to the name and don't know any Chloes either.
It doesn't originate from the same language as Joe and Toe.

LilyLemonade · 15/06/2026 20:47

Amazed that anyone would mispronounce Zoe, whether it's written like that or as Zoë - it's a very well-known name.

I actually think Zoey is also a very cute spelling.

Spelled either way, it's a very pretty name.

ItsStillWork · 15/06/2026 20:43

My dog is called Zoë and I spell it Zoë, she even has a personalised bed with it spelt like that

Crucible · 15/06/2026 20:42

It has three letters and will still be shortened to Zo! Lovely name. The diacritic over the ë is crucial.

Ë!

ThatsTrash · 15/06/2026 20:41

She might get the odd person mispronouncing Zoe if they haven't come across the name before. However, there would be far more times when she would have to correct people by saying "It's Zoey, that's Zoe with a Y"

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