The surname Zoe originates from ancient Greece, around the Byzantine Empire period (approximately 330-1453 AD). It is derived from the Greek word "ζωή" (zoe), meaning "life". While more commonly encountered as a given name, its use as a surname has historical roots in regions that were influenced by Greek culture and language, primarily in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The areas where the surname Zoe was originally prominent include Greece and the surrounding Aegean islands. One of the earliest recorded mentions of Zoe as a surname can be traced back to Byzantine nobility. This usage reflected the cultural importance of symbolic names in representing familial lineage and virtues.

Historical references to the surname Zoe are sparse, yet meaningful. Documents from the Byzantine period, while primarily religious in nature, sometimes included records of noble lineages that carried the surname Zoe. In manuscripts from the monastic repositories of Mount Athos, dating back to the 11th century, the surname made intermittent appearances, often signifying families of certain social standings.

One of the earliest verifiable instances of the surname Zoe is found in 14th-century Venetian records pertaining to the Greek port city of Heraklion, known at the time as Candia. Here, the name was listed among prominent Greek families involved in commerce with the Venetian Republic. This suggests that members of the Zoe lineage were significant figures in trade and local governance.

Throughout history, several noteworthy individuals bore this surname. Loukas Zoe, a 15th-century merchant and diplomat, played a crucial role in the negotiations between the Venetian and Ottoman empires. His diplomatic efforts secured favorable trade deals for Greek merchants. Anastasia Zoe, an educated woman of the 18th century, gained recognition for her letters advocating for the education of women in the Greek-speaking world.

In the 19th century, Nikolaos Zoe emerged as a significant figure in the fight for Greek independence. Born in 1791 and dying in 1850, he was an influential writer and politician who contributed to the intellectual underpinnings of the revolutionary movement.

Another notable figure is Eleni Zoe, a philanthropist from the early 20th century, who established numerous educational institutions and orphanages in Athens, profoundly impacting local society.

Further back, archival documents from the late 12th century mention Theodoros Zoe, a landholder in the region of the Peloponnese, who was known for his contributions to local monasteries and public works.

The historical journey of the surname Zoe is thus intertwined with significant cultural and societal contributions spanning from medieval to modern times, reflecting a rich heritage rooted in the ancient meaning of "life".