Find out how popular the first name Zoya has been for the last 42 years (from 1982 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zoya by gender

Based on the last 42 years of data, Zoya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 311 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zoya.

The history of the first name Zoya

The name Zoya has its origins in the Russian language and culture, with its earliest roots dating back to the medieval era. It is derived from the Greek word "zoe," meaning "life" or "alive," and was likely brought to Russia through Orthodox Christianity.

In ancient Slavic mythology, Zoya was a goddess associated with fertility, renewal, and the arrival of spring. This connection to life and nature may have contributed to the name's popularity among early Slavic communities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zoya can be found in the Veliky Novgorod Birch Bark Letters, a collection of historical documents dating back to the 11th and 15th centuries. These letters provide valuable insights into the everyday lives of medieval Russians and the names they used.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zoya. In the 16th century, Zoya Semyonovna Khovrina was a Russian noblewoman and a close confidante of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. She played a significant role in the political intrigues of the Tsar's court.

Another notable Zoya was Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya (1923-1941), a Soviet partisan and World War II heroine who was executed by German forces during the Battle of Moscow. Her bravery and sacrifice made her a symbol of resistance against fascism in the Soviet Union.

In the realm of literature, Zoya Fyodorovna Krugovaya (1919-1988) was a renowned Soviet writer and poet. Her works, which explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, earned her recognition and critical acclaim.

The name Zoya also gained prominence in the 20th century with Zoya Anatolyevna Kosmodemyanskaya (1923-1942), another Soviet partisan and hero of the Great Patriotic War. She was posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for her courageous actions against the German occupiers.

Lastly, Zoya Akhmatova (1889-1966) was a celebrated Russian poet and one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Russian literature. Her poignant and lyrical works, which often explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition, earned her widespread acclaim and a place in the literary canon.

These are just a few examples of the rich history and significance associated with the name Zoya. Its connection to life, nature, and resilience has endured through the ages, making it a timeless and evocative choice for many cultures and generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Zoya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Zoya, please contact us.

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