Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Sophie

Sophie is the French form of the name Sophia which comes from the Greek word "sophos" (Σοφία) meaning “wisdom”. The usage of the name Sophia for girls dates way back to the Greek and Roman cultures of Antiquity and was often bestowed for its moral qualities. The name actually owes much of its earlier success to a 2nd century saint, Sophia the Martyr. Born in Italy, Sophia named her three young daughters Faith, Love and Hope. According to the medieval legend which grew up around St. Sophia’s cult, her daughters were all tortured and beaten to death for their Christian beliefs under the pagan reign of Emperor Hadrian. After this cruel and senseless bloodbath, Sophia buried her beloved daughters and remained at their graves for three days until she herself succumbed to death (presumably from heartbreak). The legend of St. Sophia spread in the Middle Ages and the name was readily adopted by Christians all over Europe. By the 17th century, Sophia and her linguistic equivalents were common names among royalty throughout the continent. In France, the name has historically been rendered as Sophie. Oddly enough, Sophie is now quite a bit more popular outside of the French borders than within them. The two-syllable, upbeat Sophie is arguably a sweeter, more relaxed version than the three-syllable lyrical Sophia. We know Sophie is the version of choice in Northern Ireland and Scotland where she holds the #1 position of popularity among baby girls. It’s the #2 choice in Ireland and the Netherlands and currently ranked #6 in England. Australia also prefers Sophie to Sophia where she’s a Top 10 favorite.

All About the Baby Name – Sophie

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME SOPHIE

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME SOPHIE

American parents are opting for the more flowery Sophia over the French Sophie by a factor of about five. Still, though, Sophie is almost a Top 50 choice (currently ranked #52 on the U.S. charts). In fact, Sophia is the #1 baby girl’s name in America right now – pretty hard to top! Obviously, both Sophia and Sophie comes from the same root (sophos) and mean the same thing (wisdom), so it really only comes down to parental preference. The current trend in America right now is in choosing the flowery Latinate versions of names (Sophia, Isabella, Camilla, Julia) over the more minimalistic French versions (Sophie, Isabelle, Camille, Julie). Of course there’s always the option of using Sophia on the birth certificate but nicknaming the child Sophie (then you have the best of both worlds). We tend to favor the French version for a couple different reasons: one, well, it’s French. ‘nuf said. Two, it’s less trendy. Three, it isn’t trying as hard to sound sophisticated, and yet it is. And four, it sounds snappier and more upbeat. Sophie is a darling name and one which carries with it the “wisdom” of the ages.

Quick Facts

ON SOPHIE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

French

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

76

PRONUNCIATION:

so-FEE (French); SO-fee (English)

SIMPLE MEANING:

Wisdom

Characteristics

OF SOPHIE

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Sophie

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SOPHIE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Sophie

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SOPHIE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Sophie


Popular Songs

ON SOPHIE

Sophie
a song by Eleanor McEvoy

Hawaiian Sophie
a song by Jaz

Famous People

NAMED SOPHIE

Sophie Tucker (American entertainer)
Sophie Marceau (French actress)
Sophie Ellis-Bextor (English singer/songwriter)
Sophie, Countess of Wessex (English royalty)
Sophie of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (16th century Queen of Denmark and Norway)
Sophie Okonedo (British actress)
Sophie Ferguson (Australian tennis player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SOPHIE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Sophie

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SOPHIE

Sophie Tucker was an enormously popular entertainer of the first half of the twentieth century, often referred to as “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas” due to her overt and guilt-free sexuality in a time teeming with leftover Victorianism. She was born in Russia to Jewish parents who emigrated to America when she was three months old; Sophie began her show-biz career as a tot, singing and dancing for the customers in her parents’ restaurant. When she was older, she played in vaudeville and burlesque, parlaying her ample form into a money-making act. “Some of These Days (You’ll Miss Your Honey)” became her signature song. By the 1920s, Sophie was nationally and internationally acclaimed, touring Europe and making a name for herself in movies as well as on the stage. Segueing into radio and television, she kept her name in lights almost to the day of her death. Sophie Tucker – one of a kind!