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Sophia

♀ Girl

Pronounced so-FEE-uh /soʊˈfiː.ə/High

Meaning: WisdomHigh

In 30 seconds: From the Greek for 'wisdom,' Sophia is one of the most beautifully meaningful names in the world. It topped U.S. girls' charts from 2011 to 2013.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningWisdom
Peak year2012
Total births (all-time)≈ 336,037

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201218802017

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

History & Origin

Sophia comes directly from the Greek sophia (σοφία), meaning wisdom or knowledge. It was a virtue name used in the early Christian church, elevated by the concept of divine wisdom (Hagia Sophia). Several early Christian martyrs bore the name.

The name was popular among European royalty and nobility in the medieval and early modern periods, borne by queens and princesses across Germany, Russia, and Britain. It entered the American mainstream in the late 20th century and climbed to #1 from 2011 to 2013, remaining a perennial top-five choice.

Did you know? The Hagia Sophia — 'Holy Wisdom' — is a great cathedral built in Constantinople (modern Istanbul) in 537 AD, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world, bearing this name.

Variations

SofiaSophieSofíaZofiaSofi

Nicknames

SophieSophFia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Sophia Loren (1934–)
    Italian actress, Academy Award winner and cultural icon.
  • ★Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (1965–)
    Member of the British royal family, wife of Prince Edward.

If you like Sophia…

Olivia— shares the -ia ending and classic elegance
Amelia— fellow vintage classic with a lyrical sound
Isabella— equally romantic and multi-syllable
Charlotte— shares the regal, timeless quality
Elena— similar vowel-rich feel with classical roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sophia mean?

Sophia comes directly from the Greek word for 'wisdom,' making it one of the most meaningful virtue names in existence.

How do you pronounce Sophia?

Sophia is said so-FEE-uh /soʊˈfiː.ə/ — three syllables, with stress on the second.

Is Sophia a boy or girl name?

Sophia is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Sophia?

Sophia ranked #1 on the U.S. girls' chart from 2011 to 2013 and has remained in the top five consistently.