Sophia
Sophia is a girls' name of Greek origin meaning “wisdom.” It ranked #5 in the United States in 2025. Sophia means 'wisdom' in Greek and was the concept personified in Gnostic and early Christian theology.
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how do you pronounce Sophia?
soh-FEE-ah
where does the name Sophia come from?
From the Greek σοφία, meaning wisdom — an ordinary noun rather than a personal name in classical Greek. It entered use as a name through Christian personification of divine wisdom rather than through any individual bearer.
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul honors this meaning. It has been a global top-10 phenomenon, dominating charts worldwide.
how popular is this name?
Sophia has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #1 in 2011, and ranked #5 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #5 |
| 2024 | #6 |
| 2023 | #5 |
| 2022 | #5 |
| 2021 | #6 |
| 2020 | #4 |
| 2019 | #4 |
| 2018 | #5 |
| 2017 | #5 |
| 2016 | #4 |
| 2011 | #1 |
| 2010 | #2 |
| 2000 | #42 |
| 1990 | #250 |
| 1980 | #366 |
| 1970 | #402 |
| 1960 | #622 |
| 1950 | #842 |
| 1940 | #675 |
| 1930 | #553 |
| 1920 | #279 |
| 1910 | #237 |
| 1900 | #197 |
| 1890 | #144 |
| 1880 | #117 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Sophia fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Sophia
The Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, completed in 537, is dedicated to Holy Wisdom itself and not to a saint called Sophia, a distinction often lost. Sophia of Hanover mattered in a different way: the Act of Settlement made her descendants heirs to the British throne, which is why the present royal line traces through her. The name led the American charts from 2011 to 2013.
who are famous people named Sophia?
- Sophia Loren (Italian actress)
- Sophia Bush (American actress)
- Hagia Sophia (Istanbul landmark)
what are the nicknames and variants of Sophia?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Sophia?
what names go well with Sophia?
Sibling names that share Sophia's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Sophia
What does the name Sophia mean?
Sophia means “wisdom”.
What is the origin of the name Sophia?
Sophia comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Sofia, Sofie and Zofia.
How popular is the name Sophia?
Sophia ranked #5 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2011, at #1, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Sophia a boy or girl name?
Sophia is primarily a girls' name.
How do you pronounce Sophia?
Sophia is pronounced soh-FEE-ah, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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