Rising since 1986, #1,358 for boys today.
Popularity of Shia since 1960
Babies named Shia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 23 |
| 1990s | 37 | 100 |
| 2000s | 375 | 395 |
| 2010s | 395 | 835 |
| 2020s | 286 | 897 |
Meaning & origin
Shia is a name that has seen modest use in the United States since it first appeared in records in 1960. Its popularity has grown steadily, particularly since 1986, with a peak ranking of 1358 in 2024. In 2025, it remained at rank 1358, with approximately 1 in 12,377 newborns receiving the name. The name is most common in New York, followed by Oklahoma and Colorado, reflecting its broad appeal across diverse regions. Shia's multicultural origins, rooted in both Arabic and Hebrew, give it a depth that resonates in an increasingly globalized world. Its sound is familiar yet distinctive, offering parents a name that is easy to pronounce while carrying significant meaning.
Shia is a name of multiple origins. In Arabic, it is a short form of Shia-Allah, meaning 'gift from God', and is also associated with the Shia branch of Islam, though the name itself is not exclusive to that sect. In Hebrew, it is a variant of Shaya, derived from Yeshayahu (Isaiah), meaning 'God is salvation' or 'God saves'. The name has seen sporadic use in the United States since the 1960s and gained attention through actor Shia LaBeouf.
Where Shia is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Shia” around the world
Where Shia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shia
Names that share Shia's style, for a brother or sister.
