The name Lidia has its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the name Lydios, which means "from Lydia," a region in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). The name is associated with the historical kingdom of Lydia, one of the oldest civilizations in the region, dating back to the 7th century BC.

Lidia is a feminine form of the masculine name Lydios, and it has been used as a given name for centuries. In ancient Greek mythology, Lydia was the daughter of Arachne, a skilled weaver who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest. The name Lidia is also mentioned in ancient Greek literature, such as in the works of the historian Herodotus.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Lidia is Lidia of Thyatira, a woman mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible as a merchant of purple cloth and an early Christian believer. She lived in the first century AD and is considered one of the first Europeans to convert to Christianity.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lidia. One of the most famous is Lidia Poët (1805-1853), a French writer and poet who was a prominent figure in the Romantic literary movement. Another notable Lidia was Lidia Zamenhof (1904-1942), the daughter of the creator of the constructed language Esperanto, Ludwik Zamenhof.

In the realm of music, Lidia Stordeur (1900-1961) was a Belgian soprano who performed in several notable operas and concerts during the early 20th century. Lidia Gueiler Tejada (1921-2011) was a Bolivian politician and diplomat who served as the first female president of the United Nations General Assembly in 1969.

Additionally, Lidia Bastianich (born 1947) is an Italian-American chef, author, and television host who has popularized Italian cuisine in the United States through her cookbooks, restaurants, and television shows.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have carried the name Lidia throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.