Log in · Sign up

Mia Girl

Popularity: #5 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: MEE-uh /miːə/

Origin: Italian; Latin; Hebrew

Meaning: Italian: 'mine'; Latin: 'beloved'; Hebrew: 'sea'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Mia has roots in several languages, deriving primarily from the Latin word "mea," meaning "mine." This Latin origin evolved through various linguistic forms, including the Italian and Spanish use of "mia" as a possessive adjective. The name entered the English language through the influence of these Romance languages, particularly during the Renaissance when classical texts and names were revived.

Additionally, Mia can be seen as a diminutive form of names like Maria, which has a rich etymological history tracing back to the Hebrew name Miriam, meaning "wished-for child" or "rebellious." Historically, the name Mia gained prominence in various cultures. In the Christian tradition, the name Maria is significant, associated with the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is a central figure in Christianity.

The name has been borne by numerous saints and has appeared in various forms in biblical texts, influencing its adoption across different cultures and languages. The use of Maria in religious contexts, particularly in the Middle Ages, contributed to the name's widespread acceptance and adaptation into various diminutive forms, including Mia.

Culturally, the name Mia has resonated through literature and art, often symbolizing affection and endearment due to its meaning of possession and closeness. In the 20th century, Mia became associated with various notable figures in the arts, further embedding it into cultural consciousness.

The name's simplicity and melodic quality have contributed to its enduring appeal, making it a favored choice in many cultures. The diminutive form Mia, while often seen as a standalone name today, reflects a broader tradition of using short forms of longer names, which has been a common practice throughout history.

Famous people named Mia

Mia Farrow is an actress and activist best known for Rosemary's Baby, The Great Gatsby, and Hannah and Her Sisters.
Mia Hamm is a former professional soccer player best known for winning two FIFA Women's World Cups and two Olympic gold medals.
Mia Wasikowska is an actress best known for Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre, and Stoker.
Mia Kirshner is an actress best known for her roles in The L Word, 24, and Not Another Teen Movie.
Mia Goth is an actress best known for her performances in Pearl, X, and A Cure for Wellness.

Fictional characters named Mia

Mia Thermopolis is a fictional character from the book series and film The Princess Diaries. She is a teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality.
Mia Wallace is a fictional character from the film Pulp Fiction. She is the wife of gangster Vincent Vega and plays a pivotal role in the film's intertwining stories.

Sibling suggestions

Similar names

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Mia was first seen in the United States in 1933. Mia has ranked as high as #12 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Mia has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Mia (2024)

State Births Share
CA 1,986
17%
TX 1,689
14%
FL 1,058
9%
NY 836
7%
IL 477
4%
NJ 468
4%
PA 348
3%
NC 339
3%
GA 324
3%
AZ 268
2%
VA 256
2%
OH 250
2%
MA 246
2%
WA 232
2%
CO 223
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19336
19405
19427
19438
19449
19458
194613
194714
194818
194923
195020
195128
195230
195331
195446
195542
195639
195740
195833
195951
196052
196148
196285
1963104
1964298
19651,053
1966721
1967738
1968681
1969460
1970488
1971480
1972415
1973350
1974390
1975366
1976354
1977443
1978523
1979603
1980682
1981719
1982547
1983470
1984452
1985500
1986491
1987544
1988620
1989660
1990782
1991780
1992822
1993794
1994861
19951,101
19961,690
19972,494
19982,567
19992,737
20003,451
20013,918
20026,259
20037,083
20047,399
200510,845
200612,027
200710,921
200810,173
200911,437
201010,649
201111,542
201212,037
201313,166
201413,533
201514,939
201614,462
201713,519
201812,738
201912,503
202011,264
202111,167
202211,068
202311,395
202412,113