Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Sofia

Sofia is simply a spelling variation of the more popular Sophia. The name Sophia comes from the Greek word "sophos" which means wisdom. The usage of the name Sophia/Sofia for girls dates way back to the Greek and Roman traditions of the 4th century and was often bestowed for its moral qualities. The name eventually gained popularity in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the French form "Sophie" has been popular since the 18th century. The name “Sofia” has been around as an alternate spelling for a long time, but it didn’t become common in America until the past 10 years. With the rise in popularity of “Sophia,” it’s likely that a different spelling of the name became an attractive way to differentiate. Either that, or to add some cultural flair since Sofia is the more common spelling in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, Scandinavia, Greece, Germany and Italy.

All About the Baby Name – Sofia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME SOFIA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME SOFIA

The increased usage of the spelling “Sofia” mimics the rising popularity of the more common form of the name Sophia. Sofia was rarely used until the 1990’s and, in 2003; it finally hit the Top 100. While still trailing Sophia in popularity, Sofia is still maintaining a high position on the charts. Nonetheless, parents are three times more likely to use the traditional spelling of the name. In general, the “Sophie” names - Sophie, Sophia and Sofia - have all shown significant jumps in popularity in the past 20 years most notably. Americans and Canadians prefer Sophia/Sofia, but the English, Scottish, Irish and Australians favor the French version of Sophie. It’s clear that Americans are into the “-ah” names right now – Isabella, Emma, Olivia, Ava and, of course, Sophia/Sofia. It is interesting to note that the southern states are not as keen on the name Sophia/Sofia compared with the rest of the United States.

Quick Facts

ON SOFIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

13

PRONUNCIATION:

so-FEE-uh

SIMPLE MEANING:

Wisdom, knowledge

Characteristics

OF SOFIA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Sofia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SOFIA

The character of Sofia is a large, fiercely independent woman who befriends Celie in Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning 1982 novel, The Color Purple. Sofia refuses to submit to whites, men, or anyone else who tries to dominate her. After defying the town’s mayor, Sofia is sentenced to twelve years in jail, but the sentence is later commuted to twelve years labor as the mayor’s maid. The hardship Sofia endures serves as a reminder of the costs of resistance and the difficulties of fighting cultural and institutional racism. Nonetheless, her bravery and courage provide an inspiration.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SOFIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Sofia


Popular Songs

ON SOFIA

Sofia
a Spanish song by Son By Four

Famous People

NAMED SOFIA

Sofia Coppola (actress)
Sofia Vergara (model/actress)
Queen Sofía of Spain (Queen consort of Spain)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SOFIA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SOFIA

Saint Sofia is a Roman Catholic saint who was born in Italy in the early 2nd century AD. Her name means “Wisdom” and she had three daughters whom she named Faith, Hope, and Charity. Her daughters suffered martyrdom during the Roman Emperor Hadrian's persecution of Christians when they were all brutally put to death. Heartbroken, Sofia died three days later while praying at their graves. Her Feast Day is August 1st.