Find out how popular the first name Zia has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zia by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Zia is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 91% of people named Zia being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 182 female babies and 11 male babies born with the name Zia.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby boys were named Zia in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Zia

The name Zia has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with roots dating back to the 7th century AD. It is derived from the Arabic word "zia," which means "light" or "radiance." This name was particularly popular among Muslims during the early Islamic era, as it symbolized the spiritual enlightenment and divine guidance sought by believers.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zia can be found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The name is mentioned in reference to the concept of divine illumination and the spiritual path toward enlightenment. This association with religious significance likely contributed to its widespread adoption among Muslim communities across the Middle East and North Africa.

In the historical annals of the Islamic world, several notable figures bore the name Zia. One such individual was Zia al-Din al-Baydawi, a renowned 13th-century Islamic scholar and commentator on the Quran, who was born in 1219 and passed away in 1286. His influential works on Quranic exegesis and jurisprudence had a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship.

Another prominent figure was Zia-ud-Din Barani, an eminent 14th-century historian and political theorist from the Delhi Sultanate. Born in 1285, he served as a court historian and authored several influential works, including the "Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi," which chronicled the reign of Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq.

In the realm of arts and literature, Zia Nath Khairullah, a celebrated 19th-century Urdu poet and scholar, left an indelible mark with his poetic compositions and literary contributions. He was born in 1825 and passed away in 1907.

Moving to more recent times, Zia-ul-Haq, a former President of Pakistan, held a significant place in the country's political history. Born in 1924, he served as the sixth President of Pakistan from 1978 until his death in 1988, during which he implemented various policies aimed at Islamization and strengthening the country's military.

Another notable figure was Zia Haider Rahman, a British writer and academic of Bangladeshi descent. Born in 1976, he gained recognition for his critically acclaimed novel "In the Light of What We Know," which explored themes of identity, philosophy, and the complexities of the modern world.

While the name Zia has its roots in the Arabic language and Islamic culture, it has transcended geographical and religious boundaries, becoming a popular name across various communities worldwide. The name's association with light, radiance, and spiritual enlightenment has resonated with diverse cultures, making it a timeless and meaningful choice for countless individuals throughout history.

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

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

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