Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Nia
GirlSwahili, Welsh· “purpose (Swahili); bright (Welsh)”
- Meaning
- purpose (Swahili); bright (Welsh)
- Origin
- Swahili, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- NEE-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #702
- US babies 2025
- 403
- Best rank
- #307 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Nia
Nia is a Swahili and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “purpose (Swahili); bright (Welsh)”.
Nia has two separate roots. In Swahili, nia means purpose or intention, and it is the name of the fifth principle celebrated during Kwanzaa, which helped make it popular among African American families. In Wales, Nia is used as a form of the Irish Niamh, meaning bright or radiant, the name of a figure in Irish legend. Both histories give the name depth, and actresses like Nia Long and Nia Vardalos have kept it visible. It is short, bright and easy to say, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Nia first appears in US Social Security records in 1951. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 38 different years, starting in 1974. Its best national rank was #307 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,033 babies. In 2025, 403 babies were named Nia, and it ranked #702 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,159 in 1980, #307 in 2000, #470 in 2010, and #702 in 2025. Of the 25,422 US girls named Nia since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,546 babies. Since 2010, 9,478 more have been named Nia.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Gillian, India, Kassidy, Destinee, and Elisabeth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Nia ranked highest in Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #368 | 16 |
| Washington | #442 | 16 |
| New Jersey | #443 | 18 |
| Kentucky | #556 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #574 | 19 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Nia is usually pronounced NEE-uh, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with N and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Nia
A few middle names that flow with Nia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Nia
Similar names
Kaia Girl
KY-uh
“uncertain; several possible sources” · Scandinavian
#193
Gia Girl
JEE-uh
“God is gracious” · Italian
#287
Reese Girl
REES
“ardor, enthusiasm” · Welsh
#192
Brynn Girl
BRIHN
“hill” · Welsh
#407
Reece Unisex
REES
“ardor, enthusiasm” · Welsh
#460
Sia Girl
SEE-uh
“short form of names like Anastasia” · English
#1,107
Naia Girl
NY-uh
“uncertain; perhaps 'water nymph'” · Greek
#1,585
Julia Girl
JOOL-yuh
“uncertain; Roman family name” · Latin
#131
Natalia Girl
nuh-TAHL-yuh
“Christmas Day” · Latin
#144
Valeria Girl
vuh-LEHR-ee-uh
“strong, healthy” · Latin
#162
Cecilia Girl
sih-SEEL-yuh
“from Caecilius; traditionally 'blind'” · Latin
#108
Anastasia Girl
an-uh-STAY-zhuh
“resurrection” · Greek
#163
Lists that include Nia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nia mean?
Nia is a Swahili and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “purpose (Swahili); bright (Welsh)”.
What is the origin of the name Nia?
Nia has Swahili, Welsh, and Irish roots. Nia has two separate roots.
Is Nia a popular name?
Yes. Nia ranked #702 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Nia a boy or girl name?
Nia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Nia?
Nia is usually pronounced NEE-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