Declining since 1985, #1,299 for girls today.
Popularity of Sonia since 1895
Babies named Sonia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 30 |
| 1900s | 107 |
| 1910s | 588 |
| 1920s | 1,230 |
| 1930s | 2,510 |
| 1940s | 2,571 |
| 1950s | 5,865 |
| 1960s | 12,945 |
| 1970s | 15,205 |
| 1980s | 9,532 |
| 1990s | 7,253 |
| 2000s | 4,886 |
| 2010s | 2,886 |
| 2020s | 1,139 |
Meaning & origin
Sonia, a name of Slavic origins and ultimately derived from the Greek Sophia, meaning wisdom, has maintained a steady presence in the United States since the late 19th century, first recorded in 1895. Its popularity peaked in 1973, but it has since seen a gradual decline, falling from that peak over the past few decades, particularly after 1985. The name remains most common in Illinois, Colorado, and Washington. While not among the top choices today, Sonia's classic and international appeal continues to attract parents seeking a name with depth and cross-cultural resonance. Its association with wisdom gives it a meaningful yet accessible quality that has allowed it to endure across generations.
Sonia is a Slavic diminutive of Sophia, derived from the Greek word sophia, meaning wisdom. The name became popular in English-speaking countries in the 19th century and saw a resurgence in the mid-20th century. It is also associated with the Russian name Sonya.
Where Sonia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sonia” around the world
Where Sonia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sonny, Nia
Sibling names for Sonia
Names that share Sonia's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mia, Nina, Talia, Lena, Anya, Aditi, Donia, Judith, Karen, Zaria, Zora, Catina, Geena, Ishani, Krisha, Naida, Neela, Neida, Nivea, Rosaura, Stasia, Tanaya, Zoya, Amisha, Archana, Daya, Elecia, Elita, Karyna, Kathya, Kristia, Lania, Larina, Luba, Mikka, Narda, Taija, Tannia, Taria, Teja, Trecia, Alnisa, Aneka, Athea, Caria, Elania, Eriona, Harnoor, Kamela, Letica, Manika, Monia, Natika, Nikea, Niketa, Olia, Ronia, Roniya, Ronya, Sonita, Yashna, Alka, Arita, Charda, Deepti, Ekta, Gelena, Idaliz, Inesha, Jasha, Kanitra, Lenia, Nikira, Nitika, Prima, Raksha, Rodina, Satina, Simrat, Sruti, Taisa, Unika, Veleka, Vinaya
Brothers: Leon, Mikhail, Nathan, Oscar, Felix, Kunal, Marcial, Rainer, Amit, Demian, Gregor, Karan, Oskar, Dujuan, Manish, Monico, Navin, Osmin, Pratik, Sabian, Veron, Bhavin, Jivan, Kavir, Ralf, Shivan, Cedrik, Alano, Heberto, Jigar, Mitesh, Rubel
Names like Sonia
Names whose popularity has moved with Sonia's over the last 50 years.
