Origin and Meaning of the Name Lia

A three-letter option with a lot of personality. Its pronunciation alone transports you to bird's song. We'll tell you the secrets of the name Lia.
Origin and Meaning of the Name Lia

Last update: 27 June, 2022

Are you thinking about that special person who has received the enormous grace of having the name Lia? Or have you been so captivated by this option that you’re thinking of giving this name to your future baby girl? Whatever the reason, from You Are Mom, we’ve compiled all the facts about this special name.

We’ll tell you the origin and history of this name, and we’ll also tell you about the famous people who wear this name with pride. What are you waiting for to keep reading? Take note!

What’s the origin and meaning of Lia?

Lia is a variant of the Leah, a feminine name of Hebrew origin that, nowadays, is chosen by many parents around the world. Especially by those who want a short and traditional name for their little girl, but that keeps freshness and modernity intact. The term Leah means ‘tired, melancholic, languid’, as well as ‘hardworking’.

At the same time, it’s worth mentioning the historical character of Leah to explain the history of this wonderful name. Leah is recognized as Jacob’s first wife and appears in one of the passages of Genesis, in the Old Testament of the Bible. By divine favor, this woman had six sons, who make up half of the twelve tribes of Israel. She also had a daughter named Dinah.

The side view of a pregnant woman's belly.
The name Lia has a lot of strength and personality. Its history goes back to ancient times and reflects the essence of strong women.

Famous people named Lia and variants in other languages

The name Lia has triumphed among Italian parents. For this reason, it’s a quite common choice when it comes to naming the future queen of the house. In fact, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), in Spain, 6,700 girls with an average age of 9 years old are named this way. They’re mainly concentrated in the Galician and Catalan areas. In the US, the name Lia has become quite trendy, while the name Leah is a very popular and classic option.

Given these results, there’s not the slightest doubt that it is an option that has become globalized and is quite popular nowadays. That’s why, among some famous people who go by this name, the following celebrities stand out.

  • Lia Marie Johnson: Famous American actress
  • Lia McHugh: American actress
  • Lia Amanda: Italian actress of the 1930s
  • Lia Walti: famous Swiss soccer player

We’ll tell you a curious fact: Most of these personalities are dedicated to the world of art and the big screen, but also, they’re an example to follow of perseverance and effort when it comes to achieving great goals.

A woman holding pink baby booties over her pregnant belly.
If you’re expecting a baby girl, don’t miss out on this sweet and powerful name, which never goes out of style and transcends borders.

Appreciate this beautiful option even more now that you know the origin and meaning of Lia

For parents of faith, there’s no prettier, shorter, and more delicate option than this one. Without a doubt, the name Lia defines a sweet woman, but also a fighter and hard worker, who seeks to achieve everything she sets her mind to. Therefore, it’s perfect for any future queen of the house.

And you? Who would have thought that three letters would have so many wonderful secrets hidden inside? We hope you’ve fallen even more in love with this beautiful choice and that you’ll tell that loved one who goes by this name all these fun facts.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.



This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.