Find out how popular the first name Mia has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mia by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Mia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Mia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11,359 female babies and 19 male babies born with the name Mia.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 19 baby boys were named Mia in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Mia

The name Mia has its roots in various languages and cultures, with a rich history spanning centuries. It is derived from the Latin word "mia," which means "mine" or "my." This name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Italy, where it was often used as a pet form of the names Maria or Miriam.

In ancient times, the name Mia was mentioned in various texts and historical records. One notable reference is found in the works of the Roman poet Ovid, who lived during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD). Ovid used the term "mia" in his poetry to express endearment and affection.

The earliest recorded example of the name Mia can be traced back to the 13th century in Italy. One of the first known individuals to bear this name was Mia Albizzi, a noblewoman from the influential Albizzi family of Florence, who lived during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Mia. One such figure was Mia Lobo (1542-1622), a Portuguese painter and nun who lived during the Renaissance period. Her artistic works, particularly her religious paintings, were highly regarded in her time.

Another prominent individual named Mia was Mia Gypsy (1701-1766), an English fortune-teller and author who gained fame for her palm reading and astrological predictions. Her book, "The Fortune-Teller's Garland," published in 1741, became a bestseller and contributed to the popularization of fortune-telling in England.

In the 19th century, Mia Stanhope (1824-1891), an English writer and social reformer, made significant contributions to the field of education. She advocated for better educational opportunities for women and founded several schools in London.

Another notable figure was Mia Slavenska (1916-2002), a Croatian-American prima ballerina who gained international recognition for her performances with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and other renowned dance companies.

Throughout the centuries, the name Mia has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, reflecting its enduring popularity and appeal across cultures and time periods.

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

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

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