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Baby names

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

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:
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CastleTower · 19/08/2022 15:54

Yes, Sophia is #10, Sophie is #26 and Sofia is #23 in England and Wales.

Lovely, though. And still less than 1% of babies.

Smogtopia · 19/08/2022 16:06

It's the most popular name in my child's school with multiple in every year group

toastofthetown · 19/08/2022 16:13

The Dark Greener website is grey if you want to check out UK name popularity. Sophia and Sofia’s popularity combined puts it at #1 on the charts, ahead of Olivia.

Name popularity is regional, there will be some areas swarming with Sof/phias and some where a Sofia would be the only one in her year or school, but I’d swerve Sofia if I wanted something unusual.

17caterpillars1mouse · 19/08/2022 16:18

There is one Sophia in Dd1's class at school
1 at her dance class
1 at rainbows
1 at gymnastics

There is 1 Sophia at Dd2's pre school
There is 1 at her forest school
There is 1 at playgroup

We also know two Sophie's.

17caterpillars1mouse · 19/08/2022 16:19

I think Eugenie is a beautiful, understated name btw

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.

ChloeKellyIsAnIcon · 19/08/2022 16:25

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

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.

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 🤐)

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.

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.

Jellytottss · 19/08/2022 18:10

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

TheBirdintheCave · 19/08/2022 18:46

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

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 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!

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

Livpool · 19/08/2022 19:38

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

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

M1rg0 · 19/08/2022 23:54

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

OP posts:
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).

puddingandsun · 20/08/2022 00:08

Other suggestions for international names -

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

Musmerian · 20/08/2022 08:54

@MissVantaBlack - I was!

gardenmumma · 20/08/2022 14:44

Unfortunately, Sofia is very common. I adore Anastasia.

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.

user1492757084 · 22/08/2022 19:21

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