Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Zia
GirlArabic· “light, splendor”
- Meaning
- light, splendor
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ZEE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,477
- US babies 2025
- 146
- Best rank
- #1,192 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Zia
Zia is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “light, splendor”.
Zia is usually connected with the Arabic diya, meaning 'light' or 'splendor', and the same root appears in names like Ziya and Ziaul. The spelling also coincides with the Italian word for 'aunt' and with the Zia sun symbol that appears on the New Mexico state flag, so the name can feel international. Zia is short, bright and easy to pronounce. It works well on its own or as a nickname for longer names. Ziya and Ziah are alternative spellings.
Popularity over time
Zia first appears in US Social Security records in 1976. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,192 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 200 babies. In 2025, 146 babies were named Zia, and it ranked #1,477 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #12,158 in 1980, #2,816 in 2000, #2,340 in 2010, and #1,477 in 2025. Of the 3,228 US girls named Zia since records began, 40% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 1,023 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Amilia, Ayat, Leni, Maylin, and Maelyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Zia ranked highest in New Mexico, Washington, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #216 | 8 |
| Washington | #730 | 9 |
| Arizona | #907 | 7 |
| Florida | #1242 | 12 |
| Texas | #1264 | 21 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Zia over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Zia is usually pronounced ZEE-uh, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with Z and ends in “-ia”.
Middle names for Zia
A few middle names that flow with Zia: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Zia
Similar names
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Lists that include Zia
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Zia mean?
Zia is an Arabic name that is usually said to mean “light, splendor”.
What is the origin of the name Zia?
Zia has Arabic roots. Zia is usually connected with the Arabic diya, meaning 'light' or 'splendor', and the same root appears in names like Ziya and Ziaul.
Is Zia a popular name?
Not especially. Zia ranked #1,477 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Zia a boy or girl name?
Zia is mainly a girl's name. About 91% of US babies named Zia over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Zia?
Zia is usually pronounced ZEE-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