Find out how popular the first name Jonia has been for the last 25 years (from 1989 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jonia by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Jonia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Jonia.

The history of the first name Jonia

The name Jonia has its origins in ancient Greece, derived from the Greek word "Ionios," which referred to the Ionian Sea and the Ionian region of western Anatolia. The name's earliest recorded use dates back to the 6th century BC, when it was popular among the Ionian Greeks who inhabited the coastal areas of modern-day Turkey.

In Greek mythology, Jonia was a name associated with the Ionian race, one of the four primary ethnic groups that comprised the ancient Greeks. The Ionians were known for their maritime culture and their contributions to the arts, philosophy, and science. The name Jonia was often given to children as a symbol of their heritage and connection to the Ionian way of life.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Jonia was a Greek philosopher who lived in the 5th century BC. Although little is known about her life, she is mentioned in the writings of Diogenes Laertius, a biographer of ancient Greek philosophers. Her existence serves as a testament to the name's use during the classical period of Greek civilization.

In the Byzantine Empire, which ruled over much of the Mediterranean region from the 4th to the 15th century AD, the name Jonia gained popularity among the Greek-speaking population. Several notable figures from this era bore the name, including Jonia Palaiologina (1322-1386), a noblewoman and the daughter of the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos.

During the Renaissance, the name Jonia experienced a resurgence in parts of Europe, particularly in Italy and France. One notable figure from this period was Jonia de' Rossi (1515-1564), an Italian noblewoman and poet who was part of the renowned de' Rossi family of Parma. Her poetry and literary works contributed to the cultural revival of the time.

In the 18th century, the name Jonia found its way to the Americas, where it was adopted by various communities with Greek heritage. One notable American bearer of the name was Jonia Kilby (1743-1819), a Revolutionary War patriot and writer from Massachusetts. Her letters and diary entries provide valuable insights into the lives of women during the American Revolution.

As the name Jonia has traversed through centuries and cultures, it has maintained its connection to the rich heritage of ancient Greece and the Ionian region. While its popularity has ebbed and flowed over time, it continues to be a reminder of the enduring influence of Greek culture and the enduring appeal of names with deep historical roots.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jonia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jonia, please contact us.

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