Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Sophia
GirlGreek· “wisdom”
- Meaning
- wisdom
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- soh-FEE-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #5
- US babies 2025
- 12,561
- Best rank
- #1 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Sophia
Sophia is a Greek name that means “wisdom”.
Sophia is the Greek word for "wisdom". Early Christians honored the idea of Holy Wisdom, and the great church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople took its name from it. The name spread through Eastern Europe and later into German and British royal families; Sophia of Hanover was the mother of King George I of Great Britain. English speakers have long placed the stress on the second syllable, and that pronunciation remains standard in the United States. In modern times Sophia became one of the most chosen girl names across many countries. It combines an ancient meaning with a soft, flowing sound, and Sophie is its natural nickname and a popular name in its own right.
Other spellings with the same sound: Sofia.
Popularity over time
Sophia 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 #1 in 2011, and the most babies received it in 2012, when 22,336 were named Sophia. In 2025, 12,561 babies were named Sophia, and it ranked #5 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #279 in 1920, #849 in 1950, #366 in 1980, #42 in 2000, #2 in 2010, and #5 in 2025. Of the 439,108 US girls named Sophia since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 119,251 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lily, Aubrey, and Zoey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Sophia ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #2 | 507 |
| Massachusetts | #2 | 318 |
| Arizona | #2 | 315 |
| Connecticut | #2 | 166 |
| Delaware | #2 | 41 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Sophia is usually pronounced soh-FEE-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-ia”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Sofia.
Middle names for Sophia
A few middle names that flow with Sophia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Sophia
Similar names
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Lists that include Sophia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sophia mean?
Sophia is a Greek name that means “wisdom”.
What is the origin of the name Sophia?
Sophia has Greek roots. Sophia is the Greek word for "wisdom".
Is Sophia a popular name?
Yes. Sophia ranked #5 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Sophia a boy or girl name?
Sophia is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Sophia?
Sophia is usually pronounced soh-FEE-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