Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is Sofia an extremely popular name nowadays?

29 replies

M1rg0 · 19/08/2022 15:51

Expecting a little girl and considering various names now. I like Sofia/Sophia. But all the articles suggest it is a super common name in UK and all over the world. Don't want her to be the fifth Sofia in her nursery or school. We are also considering Anastasia, Eugenie (Eugenia) or Kira (DH hates the last one though). Ideally looking for an international name.

Is Sofia that common? I haven't met many myself.
Any other suggestions are welcome =)

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
sageandbasil · 23/08/2022 21:58

I have a 9 month old. I don't know any sofias/Sophia's here age inc all of my mum fb groups etc

TheNefariousOrange · 23/08/2022 11:14

Most popular is still going to be a relatively small percentage. DD's name was no.1 for about 3 years running, and we literally have met 1 other girl with the same name and heard a parent shout it in the park. There are no other girls with that name in her year group. Whereas a friend of mine picked a rather obscure name and he is 1 of 3 in his form group with that name. It's down to geography and luck. My mum always tells us as well that when my brother was named, his name was really far down on the popularity list, and the following year it was in the top 10

If you like it, choose it. FWIW, I teach 1 Sophia. I do however have 4 Sophie's in my class alone. I find that way more common.

agedasiago · 23/08/2022 03:31

It's very aspirational, post-Brexit.

Thefruitbatdancer · 23/08/2022 03:25

I'd go with floral names which are a bit imternational:

Rosa
Zinnia
Azalea
Heather
Camelia
Lily
Erica
Veronica
Violet
Cassia
Iris
Dahlia
Jasmine/Yasmin
Aster
Holly
Ivy
Hazel
Amaryllis
Marguerite - French for Daisy
Acacia
Clementine

user1492757084 · 22/08/2022 19:21

Sophie is cute
Other international names:
Kirsten
Heidi
Tess
Alanna
Ellen
Zena

GetTheGoodLookingGuy · 21/08/2022 18:56

4 in a three form entry year group at my school. All spelt with an f. Two English, one Polish, one Romanian. There was also a Sophia but she left.

But then only one more in the rest of the school.

gardenmumma · 20/08/2022 14:44

Unfortunately, Sofia is very common. I adore Anastasia.

Musmerian · 20/08/2022 08:54

@MissVantaBlack - I was!

puddingandsun · 20/08/2022 00:08

Other suggestions for international names -

Anna
Maria
Seren
Joanna
Zara
Sarah
Mira
Nova
Mila
Miriam
Natasha/ Natalia
Alexandra

puddingandsun · 20/08/2022 00:02

Yes. But it's lovely. Which is why.

Also, it's picked by many immigrants here as it's international (with spelling variations).

Original poster
M1rg0 · 19/08/2022 23:54

Thank you all so much! Very helpful information and good suggestions!

OP posts:
foxster22 · 19/08/2022 20:58

There's 4 in my daughter age 7 class
All have non white indigenous backgrounds

A bit like the name Layla / Leila that suits every region plus see Zayn and Henry / henri

Livpool · 19/08/2022 19:38

I know 2 Sofias - both have families who aren't English to a degree

FayCarew · 19/08/2022 19:02

If you add the numbers for Sophia and Sofia, it's the most popular name in England & Wales. She'll probably always be one of several.

There are plenty of names that work internationally. Eugenie/a will vary in pronunciation Not sure about Anastasia - it seems a bit Disney princess

TheBirdintheCave · 19/08/2022 19:01

MissVantaBlack · 19/08/2022 18:55

@TheBirdintheCave I think @Musmerian may have been referring to Sophia rather than Chiara when she said it's Greek and means "wisdom"!

Oh! That would make FAR more sense 😂 Sorry!

MissVantaBlack · 19/08/2022 18:55

@TheBirdintheCave I think @Musmerian may have been referring to Sophia rather than Chiara when she said it's Greek and means "wisdom"!

TheBirdintheCave · 19/08/2022 18:46

@Musmerian Chiara is the Italian form of Clara (from the Latin name Clarus) and means 'clear/bright'.

Jellytottss · 19/08/2022 18:10

I don't know any none in DS class. I like Sofia.

Musmerian · 19/08/2022 18:01

Justleaveitblankthen · 19/08/2022 17:06

I think it's a beautiful name, but there are plenty of beautiful Italian names to choose from. Chiara is my absolute favourite (sorry, you didn't ask 🤐)

It’s Greek not Italian. Means wisdom.

Luredbyapomegranate · 19/08/2022 17:57

It is yes. Done to death.

Serena, Selena, Sabrina, Susannah are all alternatives, and quite international.

Or Francesca, Anna, Lara, Alexandra, Julia, Emma, Sarah, Catherine, Maria, Caroline, Helena

Eugenie is nice, but you will get a lot of people saying Ewe-Jean-ie. Anastasia is pretty if a bit fussy. Kira is very nothing-y.

Justleaveitblankthen · 19/08/2022 17:06

I think it's a beautiful name, but there are plenty of beautiful Italian names to choose from. Chiara is my absolute favourite (sorry, you didn't ask 🤐)

DurdleSnore · 19/08/2022 16:46

I only know 2 Sophia/Sofias. It wouldn’t put me off using it though, it’s a beautiful name.

ChloeKellyIsAnIcon · 19/08/2022 16:25

I'd call it fairly popular rather than super popular. Beautiful name!

goldfinchonthelawn · 19/08/2022 16:23

It may be but I still think it's the most beautiful girl's name ever and if I'd had a girl would have been unable to resist.

17caterpillars1mouse · 19/08/2022 16:19

I think Eugenie is a beautiful, understated name btw