The name Zoey originated from the Greek name Zoe, meaning "life." Its roots can be traced back to ancient Greek culture and language, which flourished from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD. The name Zoe was a popular choice among Greek families, symbolizing the gift of life and vitality.

During the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from the 4th century to the 15th century AD, the name Zoe gained further prominence. Several Byzantine Empresses bore this name, including Zoe Porphyrogenita (978–1050), who ruled as the senior empress alongside her sister Theodora for a brief period in 1042. Another notable figure was Zoe Karbonopsina (c. 978–1042), who was the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Romanos III Argyros.

The name Zoey is an anglicized variant of the Greek Zoe, which emerged in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zoey was in the United States, where it started gaining popularity in the 1980s. Its rise in usage coincided with the increasing trend of giving traditional names a unique twist or spelling variation.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zoey or its variations. One such figure was Zoë Nightingale (1934–2018), a British actress best known for her roles in films like "Doctor in Distress" (1963) and "The Great St. Trinian's Train Robbery" (1966). Another was Zoë Wanamaker (born 1949), an American-British actress who has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, including the Harry Potter film series.

In the field of literature, Zoë Akins (1886–1958) was an American playwright and novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1935 for her play "The Old Maid." Zoë Marriott (born 1973) is a British author of fantasy and young adult fiction, known for her novels "The Swan Kingdom" and "Shadows on the Moon."

Zoey Tur (born 1960) is an American former broadcast reporter and author, notable for being one of the first transgender reporters to work in a major US television market. She played a pivotal role in covering the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the O.J. Simpson chase and trial.