Life
Zooey is a modern spelling variant of the Greek name Zoe. It gained significant visibility in the mid-20th century through literature and later through American actress Zooey Deschanel. While it retains the ancient meaning of 'life', this specific spelling feels more contemporary and quirky than the traditional version.
Less common today
Zooey isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,250 in 2012.
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).
American actress and singer-songwriter
The male protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novella Β· Franny and Zooey