Lia is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "night" or "darkness." It is often associated with the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with an angel throughout the night and receiving the name Israel as a result. In some interpretations, Lia is considered to be a shortened form of the Hebrew name Leah, which also means "night" and was the name of one of Jacob's wives in the Bible.
The name Lia has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, but it gained popularity during the 20th century. Today, Lia is a popular name around the world, particularly in Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, where it is often ranked among the top 50 names for girls. In addition to its Hebrew origins, Lia has also been adopted by other cultures and languages, including Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Overall, Lia is a short and sweet name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning adds depth and intrigue to this charming moniker, which continues to captivate parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their daughters.
The name Lia has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. Starting with only 7 births in 1933, it steadily gained traction, reaching its first peak of 24 births in both 1953 and 1954.
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a turning point for the name Lia. From just 39 births in 1957, it grew to an impressive 157 births by 1971. This trend continued throughout the decade, with Lia reaching new heights of popularity.
The 1980s and 1990s saw a further rise in the number of girls named Lia at birth. In 1980, there were 134 births, which peaked at 233 in 1999. The turn of the century brought even more popularity for this name, with 300 births recorded in 2000.
The new millennium has been a time of significant growth for Lia's popularity. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of girls named Lia at birth increased from 300 to an astonishing 1425. This represents a tenfold increase over the past 23 years.
In total, from 1933 to 2023, there have been 25,352 births of the name Lia in the United States. This remarkable rise in popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal and timelessness of this unique name.