Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Lydia
GirlGreek· “woman from Lydia”
- Meaning
- woman from Lydia
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- LIH-dee-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #92
- US babies 2025
- 2,692
- Best rank
- #75 (1883)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Lydia
Lydia is a Greek name that means “woman from Lydia”.
Lydia is a Greek name meaning "woman from Lydia", a kingdom in western Asia Minor famous for its wealth and for King Croesus. In the New Testament, Lydia is a seller of purple cloth in the city of Philippi who becomes the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe, and she is venerated as a saint. English readers also know Lydia Bennet, the impulsive youngest sister in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The name has a gentle, old-fashioned charm and a clear classical pedigree. Lydia is easy to spell, and Liddy or Lyddie are affectionate nicknames for anyone who wants something softer.
Popularity over time
Lydia has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #75 in 1883, and the most babies received it in 2014, when 3,652 were named Lydia. In 2025, 2,692 babies were named Lydia, and it ranked #92 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #185 in 1920, #223 in 1950, #287 in 1980, #147 in 2000, #110 in 2010, and #92 in 2025. Of the 187,039 US girls named Lydia since records began, 17% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 26,412 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include London, Piper, Hadley, Annabelle, and Aubree.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lydia ranked highest in Iowa, North Dakota, and Maine.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #28 | 63 |
| North Dakota | #34 | 18 |
| Maine | #36 | 20 |
| West Virginia | #37 | 28 |
| Wyoming | #37 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lydia is usually pronounced LIH-dee-uh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Lydia
A few middle names that flow with Lydia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lydia
Similar names
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Lists that include Lydia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lydia mean?
Lydia is a Greek name that means “woman from Lydia”.
What is the origin of the name Lydia?
Lydia has Greek roots. Lydia is a Greek name meaning "woman from Lydia", a kingdom in western Asia Minor famous for its wealth and for King Croesus.
Is Lydia a popular name?
Yes. Lydia ranked #92 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Lydia a boy or girl name?
Lydia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lydia?
Lydia is usually pronounced LIH-dee-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings