The nameLydia
Lydia is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "woman from Lydia". The name of the first European convert to Christianity, it is an elegant classic.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Lydia means "woman from Lydia", an ancient kingdom of Asia Minor, in today's Turkey, famous for its king Croesus.
Origin
Greek. In the Acts of the Apostles, Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, is converted by Saint Paul at Philippi.
History
Jane Austen gave the name to Lydia Bennet, the lively younger sister of Pride and Prejudice. It is in the American top 100 and has been in the top 50 in England and Wales.
Famous people named Lydia
- Saint Lydia of Thyatira
- Lydia Bennet, Pride and Prejudice character
- Lydia Ko, golfer
Popularity of the name Lydia
Lydia in the United States
Lydia was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 32,734 births over the decade, 18% of all recorded babies named Lydia. Its rise began around 1883, and it peaked in 2014. Half of all babies named Lydia in the United States were born before 1988, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 2,789 births a year on average, against 3,341 in the five years before.
Lydia in the United Kingdom
Lydia was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 7,548 births over the decade, 40% of all recorded babies named Lydia. Half of all babies named Lydia in the United Kingdom were born before 2007, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 357 births a year on average, against 475 in the five years before.
Lydia in Ireland
Lydia in France
Lydia in Switzerland
Lydia in Austria
Lydia in Norway
Sibling names for Lydia
Names from the same generation as Lydia, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Lydia? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Lydia with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Lydia side by side with the name of your choice.
Lydia in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lydia mean?
Lydia means "woman from Lydia", an ancient kingdom of Asia Minor, in today's Turkey, famous for its king Croesus.
What is the origin of the name Lydia?
Greek. In the Acts of the Apostles, Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, is converted by Saint Paul at Philippi.
Is Lydia a girl's or a boy's name?
Lydia is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Lydia?
In 2024, Lydia was the 97th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 2,663 births.
What are good sibling names for Lydia?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Ariana, Zoe, Melanie and Kennedy for a sister, George, Luke, Lukas and Angelo for a brother.
Who are famous people named Lydia?
Saint Lydia of Thyatira; Lydia Bennet, Pride and Prejudice character; Lydia Ko, golfer.