Nia
Nia is a girl name of Swahili origin meaning “Purpose”, pronounced NEE-ah. It ranked #702 in the United States in 2025, given to 403 babies, and peaked at #307 in 2000. Common nicknames: Ni, Nini.
How popular is Nia in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Nia mean, and where does it come from?
Nia is the Swahili word for purpose and the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, which is how it entered American naming in the 1970s. It is also Welsh, a form of Niamh — the Irish name meaning brightness — used for the heroine of a Welsh folk tale, and separately a Greek short form of Antonia. Nia Vardalos, Nia Long and Nia DaCosta have each carried it into a different field. American records hold it from 1951; it entered the top thousand in 1974 and peaked in 2000.
How is Nia used around the world?
Nia is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Nia?
Famous People Named Nia
- Nia Long — American actress
- Nia DaCosta — American film director
- Nia Vardalos — Canadian-American actress and screenwriter
Similar Names to Nia
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nia
Looking for names that pair well with Nia? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nia mean?
Nia is a girl name of Swahili origin meaning "Purpose." Nia is the Swahili word for purpose and the fifth principle of Kwanzaa, which is how it entered American naming in the 1970s. It is also Welsh, a form of Niamh — the Irish name meaning brightness — used for the heroine of a Welsh folk tale, and separately a Greek short form of Antonia.
How do you pronounce Nia?
Nia is pronounced NEE-ah. Common variations include Nya, Niah, Niamh.
Is Nia a girl name?
Yes, Nia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ni, Nini.