Nia
Nia is a girl's name of Welsh origin.
Meaning
Bright, radiant, or purpose.
Origin and history
Nia is a name with multiple distinct origins, notably derived from the Welsh name Niamh meaning 'bright' or 'radiant', as well as the Swahili word meaning 'purpose' (one of the principles of Kwanzaa). It gained popularity in the late 20th century in the United States and remains a steady choice for girls. Its brevity and strong meanings contribute to its enduring appeal.
Popularity in the United States
25,422 babies in the United States have been named Nia since 1880. It ranks #915 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #588.
States where it is most popular
- NY (12.9 %)
- CA (11.7 %)
- TX (7.9 %)
- IL (6.1 %)
- FL (6.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 19 |
| 1960-1970 | 85 |
| 1970-1980 | 788 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,198 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,283 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,571 |
| 2010-2019 | 6,546 |
| 2020-2029 | 2,932 |
Famous people named Nia
- Nia Long: Actress
- Nia Vardalos: Actress, Screenwriter
- Nia Peeples: Actress, Singer
Fun facts
- Nia is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, representing 'Purpose' in Swahili.
- In Welsh mythology, Nia is connected to the Irish name Niamh, a legendary figure from Gaelic tradition.