Zia

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZEE-ah /ˈzi.ɑ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Ziya/Dia — from Arabic, 'light; splendor; radiance; glow'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Light; splendor; radiance: Zia spells Ziya — 'light'. Crisp, bright, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'ZEE-ah').

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Origin LowArabic

MeaningA spelling of Ziya/Dia — from Arabic, 'light; splendor; radiance; glow'; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#7673 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births11 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 322

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

Zia is a spelling of Ziya/Dia — from Arabic, 'light; splendor; radiance; glow' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, bright name across South Asian and Middle Eastern families, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; said 'ZEE-ah').

In the U.S. it appears in Muslim families. Rare, light-and-radiance at the root, and bright.

Did you know? Ziya means 'light; splendor; radiance; glow' in Arabic — Zia is a spelling, crisp and bright, used for both sexes (here for boys; borne by Pakistani leader Zia-ul-Haq; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'ZEE-ah').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Ziya — unisex; routes layered

Variations

ZiyaDiyaZya

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Zia…

Ziya— the fuller spelling

Zain— a sound-neighbor Z- Arabic boys' name

Zaid— a companion Z- Arabic boys' name

Nur— a fellow 'light' Arabic name

Explore names like Zia

By themeuncertain arabic unisex

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Zia mean?

Zia spells Ziya — Arabic 'light; splendor; radiance'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Zia?

It's said ZEE-ah /ˈzi.ɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Zia a boy or girl name?

Zia is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Zia?

Zia is a rare name for boys in the U.S.