Home › Baby Names Directory › Mia

Mia

♀ Girl

Pronounced MEE-uh /ˈmiː.ə/High

Meaning: Mine; beloved; my ownHigh

In 30 seconds: A sweet, compact name meaning 'mine' or 'beloved' in Italian, also used as a Scandinavian pet form of Maria. Mia has become a global top-ten girls' name.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighScandinavian, Hebrew, Italian
MeaningMine; beloved; my own
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 216,490

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519332017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Mia functions in multiple traditions: in Italian it means 'mine' or 'my own'; in Scandinavian countries it serves as a pet form of Maria; and through the Maria connection it ultimately traces to the Hebrew Miryam (Miriam). The name's brevity, soft sound, and warmth have made it internationally appealing.

Long used in Scandinavia and Italy, Mia entered the English-speaking mainstream in the mid-20th century and rose sharply in the U.S. from the 1990s onward. It reached the U.S. top ten in the 2010s and remains a favorite for its simplicity and international flair.

Did you know? Mia gained worldwide visibility partly through actress Mia Farrow (born Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow), who adopted the diminutive as her stage name in the 1960s.

Variations

MíaMijaMiah

Nicknames

Mi

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mia Farrow (1945–)
    American actress and activist, known for Rosemary's Baby and her UNICEF humanitarian work.
  • ★Mia Hamm (1972–)
    American soccer player, two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

If you like Mia…

Luna— shares the short, soft, vowel-ending appeal
Aria— equally brief and musical
Nova— same modern energy and compact feel
Isla— short, two-syllable name with international charm
Leah— similarly brief Hebrew-origin classic

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mia mean?

Mia means 'mine' or 'my own' in Italian, and also serves as a Scandinavian short form of Maria, ultimately connecting to the Hebrew name Miriam.

How do you pronounce Mia?

Mia is pronounced MEE-uh /ˈmiː.ə/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Mia a boy or girl name?

Mia is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Mia?

Mia entered the U.S. top ten girls' names in the 2010s and has remained there consistently, also ranking highly in many European countries.