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Sophie Girl

Popularity: #60 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationSO-fee / /ˈsoʊ.fi/

Greek; French

Meaning

Wisdom (Greek); Knowledge (French)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Sophie is derived from the Greek word "sophia," meaning "wisdom." This term was used in ancient Greek philosophy and literature, notably by philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, who explored the concept of wisdom in their works. The name made its way into Latin as "Sophia," which was then adopted into Old French as "Sophie" during the medieval period. The transition into English occurred in the late Middle Ages, where it began to be used as a given name, particularly among the educated classes who were influenced by classical learning and the Renaissance revival of interest in ancient texts.

Historically, the name Sophie has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and royalty. One of the most significant early bearers was Saint Sophia, a Christian martyr whose feast day is celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The name gained further prominence in the medieval period through the use of "Sophie" in literature and by various European monarchs, such as Sophie of Hanover, who was an important figure in the succession of the British throne in the early 18th century. The name also appears in significant literary works, including the 18th-century novel "The History of Sophie" by the French author, which contributed to its cultural resonance.

Culturally, the name Sophie has been associated with qualities of wisdom and knowledge, reflecting its etymological roots. In various traditions, wisdom is often linked to virtue and moral integrity, making the name a symbol of intellectual and ethical ideals. The diminutive form "Sophie" has also been embraced in various cultures, often used affectionately, which has helped maintain its appeal across generations. Overall, the name Sophie carries a rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its classical origins and the enduring value placed on wisdom throughout history.

Trend Summary

Sophie has consistently ranked among the top names for girls in the United States over the past few decades.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Sophie
  • Sophia
  • Sofia

International Variants

  • Sofia (Spanish)
  • Sophie (French)
  • Sofía (Spanish)
  • Sofija (Slavic)

Famous people named Sophie

Sophie Turner is an actress best known for Game of Thrones, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and The Staircase.

Sophie Marceau is an actress and director best known for La Boum, Braveheart, and The World Is Not Enough.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a singer-songwriter best known for Groovejet (If This Ain't Love), Murder on the Dancefloor, and Take Me Home.

Sophie Kinsella is an author best known for the Shopaholic series, Can You Keep a Secret?, and The Undomestic Goddess.

Sophie Okonedo is an actress best known for Hotel Rwanda, The Secret Life of Bees, and Skin.

Fictional characters named Sophie

Sophie is a fictional character from the novel and animated film Howl's Moving Castle. She is a young woman who is transformed into an elderly lady by a witch's curse and embarks on a journey to break it.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Sophie was first seen in the United States in 1880. Sophie has ranked as high as #137 nationally, which occurred in 2011, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Sophie has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Sophie (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 431
13%
TX 285
8%
NY 204
6%
FL 186
5%
IL 140
4%
PA 140
4%
NJ 118
3%
VA 116
3%
OH 111
3%
MA 111
3%
NC 105
3%
GA 97
3%
WA 94
3%
UT 93
3%
TN 77
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188083
188178
1882110
1883103
1884120
1885125
1886156
1887149
1888171
1889172
1890206
1891203
1892203
1893235
1894234
1895240
1896258
1897308
1898259
1899278
1900338
1901324
1902279
1903311
1904359
1905374
1906384
1907451
1908523
1909496
1910621
1911671
1912989
19131,122
19141,584
19152,112
19162,198
19172,382
19182,300
19192,200
19201,965
19211,865
19221,582
19231,490
19241,372
19251,102
1926953
1927883
1928708
1929632
1930524
1931425
1932378
1933300
1934262
1935251
1936198
1937204
1938178
1939150
1940170
1941174
1942145
1943119
1944103
1945100
1946110
1947120
1948114
1949131
1950116
1951128
1952116
1953104
1954105
1955106
195699
195785
1958102
195988
196095
196184
196294
1963107
196488
1965101
196692
196797
196889
196983
197083
197166
197273
197364
197476
197574
197660
197783
197873
197973
198077
198174
198292
1983135
1984158
1985207
1986212
1987239
1988251
1989334
1990373
1991421
1992512
1993552
1994601
1995697
1996854
19971,081
19981,216
19991,685
20002,101
20012,173
20022,245
20032,231
20042,388
20052,440
20062,784
20073,988
20084,065
20094,267
20104,416
20114,732
20124,581
20133,752
20143,394
20152,952
20162,875
20172,837
20182,948
20193,185
20203,315
20213,329
20223,521
20233,589
20243,574