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HelpZoe
I love the name Zoe, and the fact one of my best friends has that name only adds to its appeal. I could see myself one day naming a daughter Zoe, but here's the thing:
Apparently, no one can spell or say it!
Well, that's an exaggeration. But every time she gets a new teacher (we're in high school), he/she reads it and and says "Zo". Or when she goes to Taco John's and they have the receipts they keep to know which name to call for an order? They inevitably misspell it, anything from Zoey, Zoe (with the dots on top) and once, "Zowie".
Obviously, I wouldn't want this affliction on my daughter, so tell me: Is Zoe fairly rare in the U.S. and the big wide world in general, despite how much ppl seem to like it on this site, or is this just a South Dakota thing and most ppl are familiar with the name?
Apparently, no one can spell or say it!
Well, that's an exaggeration. But every time she gets a new teacher (we're in high school), he/she reads it and and says "Zo". Or when she goes to Taco John's and they have the receipts they keep to know which name to call for an order? They inevitably misspell it, anything from Zoey, Zoe (with the dots on top) and once, "Zowie".
Obviously, I wouldn't want this affliction on my daughter, so tell me: Is Zoe fairly rare in the U.S. and the big wide world in general, despite how much ppl seem to like it on this site, or is this just a South Dakota thing and most ppl are familiar with the name?
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Replies
In the UK, it's fairly popular, spelt Zoe. I know three.
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I think most people know how to say it, but with all the different spellings people have for names these days, it's no wonder people are never sure how to spell names! It's getting a bit more popular here in Australia, but I'm not sure about it's popularity in America.
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Its very popular where I live and I haven't heard anyone mis-pronounce it. Most people have seen or met someone with the name before so they just know.
I personally don't like the name at all, and here it isn't much different to all the Maddisons, Katelyns and Olivias.
I personally don't like the name at all, and here it isn't much different to all the Maddisons, Katelyns and Olivias.
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I have yet to meet a Zoe and I live near Boston. I used to think it was a British thing since when I visited the UK in the 80s I met a Zoe.
I think more people are aware of it now thanks to the puppet character on Sesame Street. I can see it gaining in popularity for people who like Chloe but want something a bit different.
I think more people are aware of it now thanks to the puppet character on Sesame Street. I can see it gaining in popularity for people who like Chloe but want something a bit different.
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Zoe is a terrific name and if some people can't spell or pronounce it, they can easily be educated. Don't lose heart and please don't dumb down (Zoey, Zowie). ;-) When I had my eldest, I so wanted to name her Katerina but was afraid of what people would say ("Cat a what?"). I regret it somewhat.
And it's not just unusual/uncommon names that people can't pronounce. Our surname is Burns, and we're constantly asked how to spell it. The weirdest spelling we've ever gotten was Bums! On the other hand, my name isn't too common and surprisingly, most people get it right the first time.
And it's not just unusual/uncommon names that people can't pronounce. Our surname is Burns, and we're constantly asked how to spell it. The weirdest spelling we've ever gotten was Bums! On the other hand, my name isn't too common and surprisingly, most people get it right the first time.
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It's a common name in England. And Zoe, or with the two dots, is the best way to spell it.
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It's a South Dakota thing. Zoe is such a terrific name, don't lose heart. (Zoe Elena is my favorite combination.)
By the way, why would you say that spelling Zoe with two dots over the "e" is incorrect? Those people are very well informed, aren't they? I'd give them an A+; so not everyone in South Dakota is unfamiliar with the name. :-)
By the way, why would you say that spelling Zoe with two dots over the "e" is incorrect? Those people are very well informed, aren't they? I'd give them an A+; so not everyone in South Dakota is unfamiliar with the name. :-)
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Sorry if I gave the impression I thought the dots were incorrect. I was just saying that my friend Zoe spells it without the dots. I can't really condemn THAT misspelling since it's the original form of the name. If I named a kid that, I'd omit the dots, though, seems a hassle.
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Usually I have a major problem with pn, but I have never had a problem with Zoe. I would like to think that maybe its just a SD thing. But maybe thats just what I would like to think because I also love the name and would like to use it someday (however, I am still waiting to see what my favorites list looks like after my boyfriend cuts every name he doesnt like which will most likely be most of them.)
Anyway, I say if you like it, use it. I understand not wanting your daughter to go through that, but would you rather have her be just another Maddison? Her friends and family will know it and get it right, and frankly, thats all that matters. I have had my name (Kristina) mis-pn by so many people, I just let them call me Kristin or Karsten or whatever else they can think of. And Zo isnt horrible, kind of a cute nn I havent thought of before.
~~Kris~~
Anyway, I say if you like it, use it. I understand not wanting your daughter to go through that, but would you rather have her be just another Maddison? Her friends and family will know it and get it right, and frankly, thats all that matters. I have had my name (Kristina) mis-pn by so many people, I just let them call me Kristin or Karsten or whatever else they can think of. And Zo isnt horrible, kind of a cute nn I havent thought of before.
~~Kris~~
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Yeah, you have a point about a kid needing a fairly unique name. And once in a while I'll call Zoe "Zo" as a nn, though it's mostly "ZoZo".
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Self proclaimed Supernatural obsessor.
In Holland this is a quite common name, though most of the times it is spelled with the dots on top, but without isn't exceptional!
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