Find out how popular the first name Meia has been for the last 46 years (from 1979 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Meia by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Meia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Meia.

The history of the first name Meia

The name Meia is derived from the Portuguese language and has its roots dating back to the 15th century. It is believed to be a feminine form of the name Meio, which means "middle" or "center" in Portuguese. The name Meia is thought to have originated in Portugal and was likely used to refer to someone who lived in a central location or a midpoint between two places.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Meia can be found in the writings of Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões, who lived from 1524 to 1580. In his epic poem "Os Lusíadas," Camões mentions a character named Meia, suggesting that the name was in use during the Renaissance period in Portugal.

During the Age of Discovery, when Portuguese explorers and sailors ventured across the globe, the name Meia may have been carried to various parts of the world. However, there are no definitive historical records of notable individuals bearing this name until the 19th century.

One of the earliest famous individuals with the name Meia was Meia de Albuquerque (1808-1892), a Brazilian writer and journalist who played a significant role in the abolitionist movement in Brazil. She was a vocal advocate for the abolition of slavery and used her writing to raise awareness about the cause.

Another notable figure was Meia Pires (1844-1910), a Portuguese painter and sculptor whose works were exhibited in Paris and other European cities. Her paintings often depicted scenes from Portuguese rural life and captured the essence of her homeland's landscapes.

In the 20th century, Meia Curado (1920-1981) was a renowned Portuguese fado singer who helped popularize the traditional Portuguese music genre globally. Her powerful voice and emotive performances earned her widespread acclaim and contributed to the preservation of fado as a cultural heritage.

Meia Rego (1932-2007) was a Brazilian actress and writer who appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. She was known for her versatility and talent, often portraying strong, independent women in her roles.

Meia Ferreira (1946-2018) was a Portuguese writer and journalist who worked tirelessly to promote women's rights and gender equality. Her books and articles shed light on the struggles and experiences of women in Portuguese society, making her a influential voice in the feminist movement.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Meia, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and the diverse backgrounds of those who have carried this name.

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 Meia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!