Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lydia

The name Lydia is derived from an ancient Greek kingdom located in what is now modern-day Turkey. The name means, quite literally, a woman from Lydia. Lydia was later the name of a Roman province where coins were invented around 600 B.C. The name Lydia is also borne from the Bible [Acts 16:11-15, 40] who was converted to Christianity by the Apostle Paul. She is described as “a seller of purple goods” (whatever that means) and the “Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Eventually, her home becomes the place where Christians congregate to receive Paul’s final encouragement before leaving the area. The name was probably taken up by the Puritans in the 17th century given their penchant for adopting names from lesser known Biblical figures. Today, the name is primarily used in England and America.

All About the Baby Name – Lydia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LYDIA

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LYDIA

The name Lydia has been on the U.S. popularity charts for over 120 years (since the Social Security Administration began tracking naming trends). The height of the name’s popularity cam in the late 1800s when it was on the Top 100 list of most favored girls’ names. It dropped off the Top 100 list in 1900, and experienced a relatively moderate decline in usage. The name’s low point came in 1975 when Lydia was the 333rd most popular girls name (a fairly low ranking). However, from that point on, Lydia starts a slow and steady climb back up the charts and is a seriously contender for the Top 100 list again. The name’s current rebirth can be owed to the naming trends favoring old-fashioned girls’ names loaded with antique charm. Lydia is short to spell, but has a long and lovely three-syllable sound. It’s darling and sophisticated at the same time.

Quick Facts

ON LYDIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

96

PRONUNCIATION:

LI-dee-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Woman from Lydia

Characteristics

OF LYDIA

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lydia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LYDIA

Lydia Is the youngest of the five Bennet sisters in Jane Austen’s 1813 classic, Pride and Prejudice. A pretty and flirtatious fifteen year old, her every energy is spent in socializing. No wonder - she’s been raised by a mother exactly like herself, and as for her father – well, talk about emotionally absent males. The opposite of the heroine, Elizabeth, Lydia is intent on marrying young; almost anyone will do. She scandalously runs away with the military officer, Wickham, and he has to be paid off to marry her, so that her entire family does not suffer a loss of reputation by her actions. She may be vain and empty headed, but she is a refreshing breath of air in a stultified social setting, and we’re willing to bet she was a lot more fun to be around than some of her sisters.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LYDIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lydia


Popular Songs

ON LYDIA

Donald and Lydia
a song by John Prine

The Psalm of Lydia
a song by Nevermore

Lydia
a song by The Butchies

I Can't Live Without Lydia
a song by Ten Years After

Famous People

NAMED LYDIA

Lydia Maria Child (American abolitionist and woman's rights advocate)
Lydia Cornell (actress)
Lydia Field Emmet (artist)
Lydia Hearst-Shaw (heiress)
Lydia Mendoza (Tejano singer and guitarist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LYDIA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LYDIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Lydia