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

Popularity of Sophia by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11,944 female babies and 8 male babies born with the name Sophia.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby boys were named Sophia in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Sophia

The name Sophia has its origins in Ancient Greek, derived from the word "σοφία" (sophia), meaning "wisdom" or "skill." This name has been widely used across various cultures and time periods, reflecting its deep-rooted significance.

In ancient Greek mythology, Sophia was the personification of wisdom and one of the four cardinal virtues, along with prudence, justice, and fortitude. The concept of Sophia was revered and celebrated, often depicted as a divine feminine figure.

The name Sophia is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Bible. In the Book of Proverbs, Sophia is personified as the embodiment of wisdom, guiding humankind towards righteousness and virtue. Additionally, in the Gnostic tradition, Sophia played a central role as a divine feminine principle.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Sophia can be traced back to the 3rd century BC. One of the most notable figures bearing this name was Sophia of Milan, a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century AD and was renowned for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Throughout history, numerous influential women have borne the name Sophia. One such figure was Sophia Palaiologina (1240-1321), a Byzantine empress and regent who played a crucial role in the political and cultural affairs of the Byzantine Empire during a turbulent period.

Another famous Sophia was Sophia Brahe (1556-1643), a Danish astronomer and horticulturist known for her contributions to the study of astronomy and her extensive gardens, which were considered remarkable for their time.

In the realm of literature, Sophia Valentina Gavrilovna Tolstaya (1844-1919), the wife of renowned Russian author Leo Tolstoy, was a prominent figure. She was instrumental in transcribing and preserving many of her husband's works, ensuring their legacy.

The name Sophia has also been associated with intellectual and philosophical pursuits. Sophia Germain (1776-1831), a French mathematician, made significant contributions to the fields of number theory and elasticity, paving the way for future advancements in mathematics.

Throughout the ages, the name Sophia has been embraced by numerous cultures, reflecting its enduring appeal and association with wisdom, intelligence, and grace. It continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a name with depth and historical significance.

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

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

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