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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hypatia

Hypatia

♀ Girl

Pronounced hy-PAY-shuh /haɪˈpeɪ.ʃə/Medium

Meaning: From Greek hypatos, 'highest, supreme'. Borne by Hypatia of Alexandria (born about 350-370 CE), a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician who taught Neoplatonism and was killed by a mob in 415 CE — a death that has made her a lasting symbol of learning destroyed by violence. We note her story honestly and respectfully.Medium

In 30 seconds: Hypatia is Greek for 'highest' — the name of the Alexandrian philosopher and mathematician (said 'hy-PAY-shuh').
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningFrom Greek hypatos, 'highest, supreme'. Borne by Hypatia of Alexandria (born about 350-370 CE), a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician who taught Neoplatonism and was killed by a mob in 415 CE — a death that has made her a lasting symbol of learning destroyed by violence. We note her story honestly and respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#14078 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 91

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202220132024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Hypatia comes from Greek hypatos, 'highest, supreme'. Its bearer, Hypatia of Alexandria, was among the ancient world's most respected teachers of mathematics, astronomy and Neoplatonic philosophy; she was killed by a mob in 415 CE amid the city's political and religious strife. Her death made her a lasting emblem of scholarship and its fragility, and we note her story honestly and with respect (said 'hy-PAY-shuh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, learned, and weighted with history.

Did you know? Hypatia of Alexandria taught mathematics and philosophy in a city that revered her; she was murdered by a mob in 415 CE. Her name means 'highest', and she has stood ever since for learning and for what is lost when reason gives way to violence (said 'hy-PAY-shuh').
Overall data confidence 60%
References — Hypatia — Greek hypatos 'highest'; Hypatia of Alexandria, d. 415 CE

Variations

IpatiaHipatiaYpatia

Nicknames

HypaPatiaTia

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hypatia mean?

Hypatia means 'highest, supreme', from Greek hypatos.

How do you pronounce Hypatia?

It's said hy-PAY-shuh /haɪˈpeɪ.ʃə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Who was Hypatia?

Hypatia of Alexandria was a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician of the late Roman world, killed by a mob in 415 CE. She remains a symbol of learning and of its fragility — we note her story honestly.

How popular is Hypatia?

Hypatia is rare in the U.S., a scholarly and deliberate choice.

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