Zia
Zia Origin and Meaning
A short and zippy name that would blend right in with but also stand out among a group of girls named Mia, Gia, Lia and Tia. It is a multicultural choice, used in Hungary as a short from of Terézia, or sometimes Ambrozia, and as a Romansh and Portuguese nickname for Luzia or similar.
The name is also associated with the Zia people of Papua New Guinea, and with the Zia people of New Mexico, in turn connecting the name to the Zia sun symbol. Among Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, and Bengali speakers, Zia is a (predominantly) masculine name, meaning "splendor" or "shine", while in a Hebrew context, it is an Old Testament name, borne by one of the sons of Gad.
Some use of Zia as a feminine name however may also simply come down to the appeal of the Z initial and the rhyme with other popular, nickname-y choices, which may be why it has risen in the US in recent years. Given to nearly 200 babies in the latest count, the name is notably borne by musician Zia McCabe and basketball player Zia Cooke, and actress Zia Grace.
One caveat though: in an Italian-American family it would be strange to have a baby named Aunt.
Popularity of the name Zia
20 Names Similar to Zia
Famous People Named Zia
- Anastasia "Zia" de TorbyLady Wernher, Russian noblewoman
- Zia McCabe (born Aimee Springer)American musician of band The Dandy Warhols
- Ziastage name of Park Ji Hye, South Korean pop singer
The name Zia in Pop Culture
- Ziaa main character in the 1941 movie "Sundown," played by Gene Tierney
- Romansh language of Switzerlanda short form of Luzia
- Zia sunsymbol featured on the New Mexico state flag
- Zia Rashidcharacter in "The Kane Chronicles" by Rick Riordan
- Zia SimpsonLisa Simpson's daughter from "The Simpsons"
- Zianickname for Jadzia