Lamia

Meaning & origin

Lamia is a name of dual heritage, with both Arabic and Greek roots, though the Arabic meaning of 'shining' or 'radiant' has overwhelmingly shaped its modern use. The name first entered U.S. Social Security records in 1968, more recently than many traditional names, and its popularity has grown steadily since, reaching a peak rank in 2011. In 2025, Lamia ranked 8,362, given to approximately 1 in 133,939 baby girls. Over the past two decades, however, the name has been gradually falling in popularity, showing a trajectory that peaked in the early 2000s and has since declined. This pattern, combined with its distinctive sound and multicultural appeal, makes Lamia a name that is both familiar to Arabic-speaking communities and intriguing to American parents looking for something uncommon yet accessible.

Lamia has two distinct origins. In Arabic, Lamia (لمياء) means 'shining' or 'radiant,' derived from the root l-m-y meaning 'to shine.' It is a common female name across the Arabic-speaking world. In Greek mythology, Lamia was a child-devouring monster, a name of uncertain etymology. The Arabic origin has dominated modern usage, especially in the United States, where the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1968.