MallowbyNames

Soniya

SOHN-yah · Variant of Sonia, derived from the Greek Sophia, meaning 'wisdom'.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
2008
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Soniya since 1976

Babies named Soniya per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71320198020002020Most births 2008Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s5
1980s18
1990s48
2000s118
2010s120
2020s38

Meaning & origin

Soniya is a modern spelling variant of the classic name Sonia, itself a diminutive of the Greek Sophia, meaning 'wisdom'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1976, with its peak year in 2008 when it achieved its highest rank. As of 2025, it holds a rank of 13,208, with approximately 1 in 267,878 female births receiving this spelling. The name's trajectory has remained stable over the past decade, showing neither a sharp rise nor decline. While its top states are not specified, Soniya has seen scattered use across the country, often reflecting diverse cultural influences. For parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive variant of a beloved classic, Soniya offers a balanced choice.

Soniya is a spelling variant of Sonia, a name that originated as a Russian diminutive of Sophia (Greek for 'wisdom'). It came into use in the English-speaking world in the 19th century, often associated with the character Sonya in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel 'Crime and Punishment' (1866). The Soniya spelling has seen modern use, particularly in South Asia, and remains a recognizable alternative form.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Soni, Sonu, Niya

Variants: Sonia, Sonya, Soniya

Sibling names for Soniya

Names that share Soniya's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Anya, Mira, Tanya, Lena, Nadia

Brothers: Dmitri, Ivan, Nikolai, Alexei, Mikhail

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Soniya, our favorite little girl.

S is for Soniya…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Soniya's letter becomes Soniya's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Soniya mean?
Soniya is a variant of Sonia, which comes from the Greek name Sophia, meaning 'wisdom'.
How popular is the name Soniya?
In 2025, Soniya ranked 13,208 in the U.S., with approximately 1 in 267,878 newborns given that spelling.
Is Soniya typically a boy or girl name?
Soniya is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.