Зоя

Zoya

girlGreekChristianMuslim

Zoya is a Christian girl name of Greek, via Russian origin, meaning “Life”.

MeaningLife
GenderGirl
OriginGreek, via Russian
Written asЗоя
PronunciationZOY-uh
TraditionChristian, Muslim
Used inRussia, India, Pakistan, Ukraine

Meaning and origin of Zoya

Zoya is the Russian and Slavic form of Greek Zoe, 'life'. It spread with Orthodox Christianity and became well known through Zoya Kosmodemyanskaya, a Soviet partisan of the Second World War. The name is also popular among Muslim families in South Asia, where some link it to Persian or Arabic words, though those links are uncertain. It is not a Sanskrit name as some lists say.

Is Zoya a Christian name?

Zoya is used by Orthodox Christians as a form of Zoe, and is also widely used by Muslim families in India and Pakistan.

How popular is Zoya?

Common in Russia and among South Asian Muslims.

Gifts with the name Zoya

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Spellings and variants of Zoya

ZoeZojaZoia

Names similar to Zoya

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Zoya mean?

Zoya means 'Life'. It is of Greek, via Russian origin.

Is Zoya a Christian name?

Zoya is used by Orthodox Christians as a form of Zoe, and is also widely used by Muslim families in India and Pakistan.

How do you pronounce Zoya?

Zoya is pronounced ZOY-uh.

Is Zoya a boy or girl name?

Zoya is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.