What do you think of Zoe?

Girl Names
1

Thanks in advance if you make it to the end…

I had posted last week about the trouble my husband and I are having agreeing on girls’ names. I have been feeling unsatisfied with the list we had narrowed down to. The list included [name_u]Piper[/name_u], [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], [name_f]Katherine[/name_f], [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], [name_u]Valentine[/name_u], and [name_f]Greta[/name_f], among a few others.

Over the past week, I have been scouring name lists but not coming up with much that I like that my husband hasn’t already said a firm no to. I just read him another list and he said no to all 15 or so names without even batting an eye at a single one.

He asks why I am trying to go back to square one when we already have a list we’ve narrowed down and I said that I just feel like all the names I felt something for were stripped from the list and we are left with names that I’m just ok with.

So basically the only names I think I might want to use from our list are [name_u]Piper[/name_u] or [name_f]Zoe[/name_f].

[name_u]Piper[/name_u] was my favorite for a while, but it’s losing its luster for me. It’s not as popular as [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], which is a plus. In fact one of my friends had never even heard the name before. But that means people have few associations with Pipers. I’ve only heard of the show [name_u]Orange[/name_u] is the [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]Black[/name_m], but I know the main character is named [name_u]Piper[/name_u]. I don’t know if I want people to have that association as one of their only associations with the name. Plus, I know a lot of people hate the name altogether. I also worry that it is a little too trendy and that it will feel dated.

So that leaves me with [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. Is it as trendy as [name_u]Piper[/name_u]? I think it at least has a bit more history to it. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is certainly more popular than [name_u]Piper[/name_u]. And once you combine its popularity with that of [name_f]Zoey[/name_f], I’m sure it’s very high on the list. However, my son’s name is [name_m]Daniel[/name_m], which was in the top ten the year he was born, but so far he hasn’t been in a class with another [name_m]Daniel[/name_m]. However he does have two Noras in his class. He has a [name_f]Zoey[/name_f] too…

I said to my husband about it being popular and his response was “God forbid we pick a name other people like…” and I agree he has a point.

So all this long-windedness is to say that I think I want to use [name_f]Zoe[/name_f].

Now we must pick a middle. Our last name starts with Z, is three syllables and is Germanic…

I really liked [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] until I googled it. There is already one prominent in the search results… she’s featured without many clothes on. Does that make this combo unuseable? Women in her profession aren’t around forever… but her catalogue may be forever available online.

Other options:
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Katherine[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Kate[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] (my husband’s mn is [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] and he would really like to use it for a girl. I’m just not sure because our last name ends in “man”)

I think I want something more substantial as a middle name. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is very light and perky… I want something to give it some gravity.

Any suggestions?

2

I just realized [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Katherine[/name_f] and [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] have the same “n” ending as [name_u]Lynn[/name_u].

I like a longer mn with [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. Any other suggestions?

3

The only thing I’ve always hated about this name is I never know how to pronounce it. Are you saying it [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] as in No with a z or zo-ee? I’ve heard both with that spelling so I want to make sure :slight_smile:

4

I like the name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], but its definitely popular. I like [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] best and I don’t think the double-n sounds matter much. Especially because unless you plan to call her [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] she probably won’t use her middle name all the time.

I would be more concerned with having the Z sound repeated in the first and last name. I have a double S in my first and last name and don’t mind it at all, and having ZZ be initials would be pretty cool, but its something to think about.

5

Personally I love [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. I have always liked it and am failing to find anything wrong with it. In fact I am not entirely sure how I managed to leave it off my signature… Anyway I love [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] but I’m guessing that particular association has ruined it for you :slight_smile: But I really like [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] as well. good luck :slight_smile:

6

Congratulations, @abcdz,

Excited for you as you prepare for this new little one to come.

From these names you’ve shared with us thus far:

{g} [name_f]Alexa[/name_f], [name_f]Alexandria[/name_f], [name_f]Anna[/name_f], [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f], [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], [name_f]Daphne[/name_f], [name_f]Geneva[/name_f], [name_f]Greta[/name_f], [name_f]Ivy[/name_f], [name_f]Jocelyn[/name_f], [name_f]Katherine[/name_f], [name_f]Louisa[/name_f], [name_f]Naomi[/name_f], [name_u]Penny[/name_u], [name_f]Perrie[/name_f], [name_f]Petra[/name_f], [name_u]Piper[/name_u], [name_u]Valentine[/name_u], [name_f]Willa[/name_f], [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]

{b} [name_m]Asher[/name_m], [name_m]Ezra[/name_m], [name_m]Henry[/name_m], [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m]

[name_f]Anna[/name_f] and [name_m]Ezra[/name_m] would be the absolute best matches with [name_m]Daniel[/name_m], stylistically speaking.

My top personal suggestions:

[name_m]Daniel[/name_m] {and}

{g} [name_f]Hannah[/name_f], [name_f]Leah[/name_f], [name_f]Rachel[/name_f], [name_f]Sarah[/name_f]

{b} [name_m]Aaron[/name_m], [name_m]Caleb[/name_m], [name_m]Jacob[/name_m], [name_m]Nathan[/name_m]

{equivalent Old Testament names}

7

I love the name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]! It’s popularity shouldn’t matter if you really like it. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] is beautiful and has a nice flow. I like to match a short name matched with something with a few more syllables =)

8

We will pronounce it zo-ee, though I imagine I will call her [name_m]Zo[/name_m] at times. (If this baby is even a she…)

Which begs the question, should we put the dots above the e? I don’t even know how to get them on my keyboard…

9

I’ve always liked the name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]! I prefer [name_f]Zoey[/name_f], just because it’s a little longer, but I think [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is fine. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] is very pretty, but if you’re worried about an adult actress with that name, perhaps:

[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Catherine[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Victoria[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Augusta[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Emilia[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]

[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] is okay, I just find [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] to be a little cheesy. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] is just a little bleh as far as I’m concerned. [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] is such a common middle name it isn’t special anymore.

10

[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is my favorite name ever. I know it is popular, but it has sentimental value for me. I think [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is classy, sophisticated, and spunky. I wouldn’t let popularity of it get to you. As you said, [name_m]Daniel[/name_m] is popular and you haven’t had any problems with it. Names that are popular now aren’t nearly as popular as they used to be. A lot of people on here were lumped into the [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f] or [name_u]Ashley[/name_u] craze and try to avoid popular names because of it, but names aren’t as popular anymore. I think with [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], she may have one other [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] or [name_f]Zoey[/name_f] in her class, but is that really a big deal? I have 2 Emilys in one of my classes and neither of them mind. I like what your husband said. As for [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f], I wouldn’t let that bother you. If you google most names, bad photos will come up. As long as you don’t hyphenate her name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]-[name_f]Alexandra[/name_f], so people know her middle, most people won’t make the connection. It’s not like she’s famous or anything (that I know of). [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] is a beautiful combo. I think I have it on my own list.
[name_u]Piper[/name_u] is cute, but eh. It’s trendy. Not really my thing. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] has been on the SSA list since it started, which makes it feel less trendy to me. I don’t see [name_u]Piper[/name_u] on an adult.
As for spelling, the two dots over the e will just make it complicated. Zoe is common enough that people know how to pronounce it. The two dots over the e won’t show up on most documents anyway. I’ve debated this enough to see that the complications out way the positives. Most people know how to pronounce it.

11

I love the name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]! It’s so cute and spunky. [name_m]How[/name_m] about something that ends in A for the middle?

[name_f]Amelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Lydia[/name_f]
[name_f]Alina[/name_f]
[name_f]Milena[/name_f]
[name_f]Victoria[/name_f]
[name_f]Alessia[/name_f]
[name_f]Fiona[/name_f]
[name_f]Elora[/name_f]

Other ideas…

[name_f]Caroline[/name_f]
[name_u]Meredith[/name_u]
[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]
[name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Marie[/name_f]
[name_f]Rose[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Willow[/name_f]

or even…[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_u]Piper[/name_u]?

12

I’m glad there is a lot of love for [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. I’m feeling more confident about it being my top choice. Now I just need to get DH on board.

I’m also leaning toward using [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] as the middle despite the association. She won’t be googling herself for a long time and I doubt others will either. And when they do, I would think the would google first, middle and last, or probably just first and last, rather than first and middle.

Thank you all for helping

13

It’s just a slight tweak, but how about [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandria[/name_f]? That doesn’t bring up topless ladies. And I do slightly prefer the -[name_f]RIA[/name_f] ending, it feels a bit more elegant.

14

I love [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]! I recently added it to my own list, and I’ve been struggling to find a combo. [name_m]Just[/name_m] recently I’ve been seriously considering [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Carolina[/name_f] (care-oh-lee-nah), [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f], or [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Maddalena[/name_f]. Maybe [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Georgiana[/name_f], [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Cecilia[/name_f], or [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Arielle[/name_f]/[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Ariella[/name_f], although I love [name_f]Ariella[/name_f] [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] much better than either of those options. I think my problem is that I generally prefer [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] as a middle name, so I am really not sure how to come up with a MN for her, haha. I’m really liking [name_f]Carolina[/name_f], [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f], and [name_f]Maddalena[/name_f] right now, though. I feel like [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] is classic enough that very, very few people will relate it to that. [name_m]Even[/name_m] after having heard it, I can’t make my brain connect to it, and I simply think of it as a beautiful, classic name. I really love [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f], too, which has a really soft and timeless feel to it to me, much like [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Catherine[/name_f]/[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Katherine[/name_f], but without the repeated “N” endings. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Eloise[/name_f]? [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Eliana[/name_f]? [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Juliana[/name_f]? [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Serafina[/name_f]?

Good luck!

15

DH has vetoed [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] and [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandria[/name_f].
He is on board with [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], though.
I’m kinda liking the idea of her initials being ZAZ

Any other suggestions for middles that start with A? I read him all the others already mentioned here…

16

ZAZ would be pretty cool initials! I really love [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f], but I’m assuming he didn’t like that? What about:

[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Anthea[/name_f]/[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Althea[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Annabel[/name_f] (or [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Annabella[/name_f]/[name_f]Anabella[/name_f]?)
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Annabeth[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Alice[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Amelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Amandine[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Amelina[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Agatha[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Ashlyn[/name_f]/[name_f]Aislinn[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Abigail[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Amaya[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adaya[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adara[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Arianne[/name_f]/[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Ariana[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adelia[/name_f]/[name_f]Adalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adele[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Aurora[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Aviana[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Aveline[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Azalea[/name_f] (although it might be a lot of "Z"s haha!)
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Ayelet[/name_f] (Hebrew name meaning “morning star”)

Good luck!

17

I really like the name [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. It is popular, but it’s easily identifiable and easy to spell (I think [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is the more traditional spelling) and commonly pronounced as [name_m]Zo[/name_m]-ee. I think since [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is such a short punchy name, you could easily use a longer middle name.

18

Have you thought about using [name_f]Zoey[/name_f] [name_f]Alexandria[/name_f]? You get the name you like the most (sort of) but not the bad online association if her name were to ever be “googled”.

19

I don’t think the dots are necessary. To my knowledge they won’t be used in every day writing or any legal/important documents so unless they’re absolutely necessary they’re a bit pointless. I’m not sure if you’re from the US, but we don’t really use them here at all. Some countries I think it is necessary to use the extra symbols as it changes the entire letter.

I’m not sure on how popular [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is, I’ve only met a [name_f]Zoey[/name_f] once in High School and had never encountered the name prior (I knew of the name from TV and such, but that was it).

20

It’s growing on me