Sophia is a female given name of Greek origin that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Derived from the Greek word "sophia," which means wisdom, Sophia is often interpreted as a virtue or quality rather than simply a name. This interpretation is reflected in many cultures and languages, with variations such as Sofia (Spanish), Sofija (Croatian), and Sophie (French).
The earliest record of the name Sophia can be traced back to the 1st century AD, where it was borne by a Christian martyr who was executed during the reign of Hadrian. This Saint Sophia is considered one of the seven women mentioned in early Church tradition as having been martyred with their male companions.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Sophia. One prominent example is Sophia of Nassau (1630-1687), who was a German princess and the first wife of King Frederick III of Denmark-Norway. She played an important role in promoting cultural exchange between Germany and Scandinavia during her time.
Today, Sophia remains popular as a given name for girls worldwide. Its association with wisdom continues to appeal to parents seeking meaningful names for their daughters. In some cultures, it is also believed that giving a child the name Sophia will bring them good fortune and intelligence throughout their life.
The statistics provided show the annual birth rate of the name Sophia in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to 1936, the number of births with the name Sophia fluctuated between a low of 88 births in 1938 and a high of 698 births in 1917. The birth rate remained relatively stable during this period, with an average of approximately 250 births per year.
However, starting in 1937, there was a significant decrease in the number of births with the name Sophia, with only 81 births recorded that year. This trend continued until 1962, with the birth rate reaching its lowest point at just 471 births in 1964.
Beginning in 1963, there was a gradual increase in the number of births with the name Sophia. The birth rate steadily climbed from 524 births in 1963 to 1235 births in 1981. This upward trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching a peak of 2513 births in 1996.
The turn of the century brought another significant increase in the popularity of the name Sophia. From 2000 to 2011, the birth rate more than doubled, from 7162 births in 2001 to a high of 22333 births in 2012.
However, since 2012, there has been a decrease in the popularity of the name Sophia. The birth rate declined steadily until 2020, when it reached 13086 births. In recent years, the birth rate has continued to decline, with 12559 births recorded in 2021 and an estimated 12361 births in 2022.
Overall, the statistics show that the name Sophia has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half. Despite its ups and downs, however, it remains one of the most popular names for girls in the United States today.