A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sophronia since 1880
Babies named Sophronia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1900, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sophronia's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 164 |
| 1890s | 173 |
| 1900s | 185 |
| 1910s | 199 |
| 1920s | 201 |
| 1930s | 141 |
| 1940s | 125 |
| 1950s | 110 |
| 1960s | 60 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 19 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 30 |
| 2010s | 43 |
| 2020s | 24 |
Meaning & origin
Sophronia is a name with a long history, first recorded in the United States in 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1881, with a rank of approximately 13,208 that year. After a long decline, the name has seen a revival, rising again since 2019. With a current rank of 13,208 in 2025 and a 1-in-267,878 usage rate, it remains uncommon but is steadily regaining favor. Its Greek origins and virtuous meaning appeal to parents seeking a name with classical roots and a distinctive feel.
Sophronia derives from the Greek adjective sōphrōn (sōs 'safe, sound' + phrēn 'mind'), meaning prudent or self-controlled. It first appeared as a given name in the 17th century, used by English Puritans attracted to its virtuous meaning. The name gained moderate popularity in the United States in the 1880s, with its peak in 1881, before declining through the 20th century. It has seen a recent revival, rising again since 2019.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sophie, Soph, Frona, Phronie
Variants: Sofronia, Sophronie
Sibling names for Sophronia
Names that share Sophronia's style, for a brother or sister.
