Zoja is a feminine given name used in several Central and Eastern European languages, including Croatian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Polish, Serbian, and Slovene. It is a local form of the name Zoe, which means "life" in Greek. The name has ancient roots, having been adopted by Hellenized Jews as a translation of Eve and borne by two early Christian saints: one martyred under Emperor Hadrian and another under Diocletian. It was also common in the Byzantine Empire, where it was used by an 11th-century empress. Etymology and Linguistic Background The name Zoja entered various Slavic and Baltic languages primarily via Russian, where it is spelled Зо́я (Zója). In Czech and Slovak, Zoja was borrowed from Russian and is used alongside the local forms Zoe and Žoja. In Latvian, the name was first recorded in the early 20th century, also derived from Russian. The word ultimately traces back to Greek ζωή (zōē) meaning "life." Cultural Significance As a variant of Zoe, Zoja carries the meaning of "life" and is associated with vitality. Among Eastern Christians, the name has long been popular due to its early adoption and the influence of the Byzantine Empire. In Western Europe, the name Zoe gained popularity later (from the 19th century onward), often spelled Zoë or Zoey. The form Zoja remains prevalent in Central and Eastern Europe, where it reflects both religious history and regional linguistic adaptation. Notable Bearers While the brief does not list specific notable bearers named Zoja, the name is used in many countries across the region. It is cognate with names such as Zoya (Ukrainian), Zoè (Catalan), Zoë and Zoey (English), all stemming from the same Greek root. Meaning: "life" Origin: Greek, via Russian Type: Feminine given name Usage Regions: Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia, and other Central/Eastern European countries