Zia is a name of Persian origin and it means "shining" or "luminous." It is often used as both a masculine and feminine name in various cultures. In Persian culture, Zia is believed to be the name of one of the seven angels who bear the throne of Allah. The name has gained popularity globally over time, with people choosing it for its unique sound and beautiful meaning.
The name Zia has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Zia. However, starting from the mid-1990s, there was a steady rise in the number of babies named Zia each year.
In 1995, there were 20 births with the name Zia, and this number more than doubled by the end of the decade to reach 49 births in 2001. The early 2000s saw a continued increase in the popularity of the name Zia, with over 70 babies being named Zia each year between 2006 and 2008.
The peak in popularity for the name Zia occurred in recent years, with 191 births in 2019 and 182 births in 2023. Overall, since 1976, there have been a total of 2879 babies named Zia born in the United States.
This data reflects a growing trend towards unique and uncommon names for children, with parents opting for less traditional choices such as Zia. It is interesting to note that while Zia was not among the top 1000 most popular baby names in the United States until recently, it has now solidified its place among the ranks of common but distinctive names.