Sofia is a popular girls' name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "sophia," which means "wisdom." Throughout history, Sofia has been associated with intelligence and insight.
The name Sofia gained popularity in the Byzantine Empire, where it was used as a royal name. One of the most notable figures to bear this name was Saint Sophia, who was martyred for her faith during the reign of Emperor Licinius in the 4th century AD. Her story has contributed to the enduring appeal of the name Sofia.
In literature, Sofia has been used as a character name by several authors, including Leo Tolstoy in his novel "War and Peace" and Gabriel García Márquez in his novel "Love in the Time of Cholera." These appearances have helped to further popularize the name Sofia.
Today, Sofia is a widely recognized and beloved girls' name around the world. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names for girls in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European nations. Its timeless elegance and positive connotations continue to make it an attractive choice for parents naming their daughters.
"The name Sofia experienced a significant rise in popularity over the period spanning from 1881 to 2023, with its first substantial increase occurring around the late 1960s. The peak of popularity was reached in recent years, notably in 2015 and 2017 with over 9000 births each year."