Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Mia
GirlScandinavian, Italian· “short form of Maria; Italian for mine”
- Meaning
- short form of Maria; Italian for mine
- Origin
- Scandinavian, Italian
- Pronunciation
- MEE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #6
- US babies 2025
- 11,078
- Best rank
- #5 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Mia
Mia is a Scandinavian and Italian name that is usually said to mean “short form of Maria; Italian for mine”.
Mia began as a short form of Maria in Scandinavian, German and Dutch-speaking countries. Through Maria it connects to the Hebrew Miryam, whose meaning is debated; suggestions include "bitter", "beloved" and "wished-for child". In Italian and Spanish, mia also happens to mean "mine", which many parents enjoy. Actress Mia Farrow brought the name wider attention in the English-speaking world in the nineteen-sixties, and it grew into an international favorite. Mia is short, bright and easy to pronounce in almost any language. It works well with longer surnames and elaborate middle names, and it stands comfortably on its own without a nickname.
Popularity over time
Mia first appears in US Social Security records in 1933. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 62 different years, starting in 1964. Its best national rank was #5 in 2024, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 14,943 were named Mia. In 2025, 11,078 babies were named Mia, and it ranked #6 nationally. That is 26% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,229 in 1950, #347 in 1980, #93 in 2000, #10 in 2010, and #6 in 2025. Of the 310,219 US girls named Mia since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 83,516 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Harper, Olivia, Sofia, Audrey, and Ariana.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mia ranked highest in New Mexico, Delaware, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #1 | 66 |
| Delaware | #1 | 43 |
| California | #2 | 1,788 |
| Florida | #2 | 993 |
| New Jersey | #2 | 427 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mia is usually pronounced MEE-uh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with M and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Mia
A few middle names that flow with Mia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mia
Similar names
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Nadia Girl
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Talia Girl
TAHL-yuh
“dew of God” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Mia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mia mean?
Mia is a Scandinavian and Italian name that is usually said to mean “short form of Maria; Italian for mine”.
What is the origin of the name Mia?
Mia has Scandinavian, Italian, and Hebrew roots. Mia began as a short form of Maria in Scandinavian, German and Dutch-speaking countries.
Is Mia a popular name?
Yes. Mia ranked #6 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Mia a boy or girl name?
Mia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mia?
Mia is usually pronounced MEE-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