Sonji

♀ Girl

Pronounced SAHN-jee /ˈsɑn.dʒi/Medium

Meaning: Sonji is a rare American name whose origin is uncertain. It may be a reshaping of Sonia/Sonya (from Sophia, 'wisdom') or an independent coinage. Its brief visibility owes much to Sonji Roi, first wife of Muhammad Ali. Route uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A rare, striking name: Sonji may reshape Sonia ('wisdom') or stand as its own coinage (said 'SAHN-jee'). Origin uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningSonji is a rare American name whose origin is uncertain. It may be a reshaping of Sonia/Sonya (from Sophia, 'wisdom') or an independent coinage. Its brief visibility owes much to Sonji Roi, first wife of Muhammad Ali. Route uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (1991)#12928 ↗ Rising

1991 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1966

Total births (all-time)≈ 904

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Sonji is an uncommon American name of uncertain origin. It may be a variant of Sonia or Sonya (ultimately from Sophia, 'wisdom'), or a modern coinage. Its brief public moment came in the 1960s, cresting around 1966, when it drew notice through Sonji Roi. It never became common and remains rare.

Always scarce, it stayed a distinctive, individual choice. A short, bold name whose route is uncertain.

Did you know? Sonji stepped into the national eye through Sonji Roi, the first wife of Muhammad Ali, and saw its small peak around 1966 — its deeper origin remains uncertain, which we note.

Overall data confidence 35%

References — Sonji — Uncertain origin; possible Sonia variant; Sonji Roi association

Variations

SonjaSonyaSonjia

Nicknames

SonSonny

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sonji…

Sonya— a like name Sonji may reshape

Sonia— a similar Sophia-rooted pick

Anja— a like short, -ja name

Tanja— a similar bold two-beat choice

Explore names like Sonji

By themeuncertain coinage rare 1960s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sonji mean?

Sonji is of uncertain origin — possibly a reshaping of Sonia ('wisdom') or an independent coinage. We note the uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Sonji?

It's said SAHN-jee /ˈsɑn.dʒi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sonji a boy or girl name?

Sonji is used as a girl's name.

Is Sonji making a comeback?

Sonji is very rare today and reads as a distinctive mid-century name rather than a reviving one.