Origin and Meaning of the Name Mia

These three letters contain a precious jewel. Today, we'll present you with the origin and meaning of the name Mia, a most precious option.
Origin and Meaning of the Name Mia

Last update: 10 July, 2022

Either because you know a person who means a lot to you whose name is Mia or because you’re thinking about this precious name for your little one, you can’t miss this article. Today, we present you with the origin and meaning of the name Mia so you can learn more about the reason for its beauty.

We’ll talk about its history, saints, some examples of celebrities named Mia, and its variants in other countries around the world. Be sure to keep reading!

What’s the origin and meaning of the name Mia?

Regarding the history of this name, there are many current hypotheses. In this sense, it seems that the most supported at present is the one that states that Mia is the variant of the Hebrew name Maria, which in turn comes from Myriam. Therefore, it alludes to the ‘beloved of God’.

On the other hand, other experts think that Mia is of Latin origin and alludes to the possessive adjective mío. That is, ‘mine’. It’s also believed that it may come from the Scandinavian word for ‘bitter’, but nowadays, it has become popular again because it has been used as a nickname for Amelia, Amalia, Emilia, Salome, and Miriam.

A painting of the virgin Maria.

Mia as a saint

As the most supported affirmation by the specialists, the name Mia, being a variant of the Christian name Mary, can celebrate her saint’s day on the same day. Therefore, we invite you to write down the following dates in your calendar if you know a loved one with this name:

  • January 1
  • May 19
  • December 8

At the same time, if you’re considering this name for the future princess of the house and you want the Virgin Mary to be her guardian angel, there’s no better option than this one. And if you’re expecting a baby boy and you’ve had the enormous grace of him being born on one of these three dates, it’s also a great idea to name him Mio. This is a very popular male variant in France and the United States.

Famous people named Mia

As corroborated by data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), in Spain there are 9,248 women named Mia, with an average age of about five years of age. In particular, Valencian and Catalan parents have been very captivated by this short and striking option.

In addition, this may mean that it’s also an option that remains on the rise in popularity, so it’s expected to cause a trend among future moms.

Mia is the name of some of the most recognized celebrities on the big screen and among them, the following stand out:

  • Mia Wasikowska: American actress
  • Mia Farrow: American actress
  • Mia Goth: English actress
  • Mia Colucci: leading character in the Argentine teen soap opera Rebelde Way, played by Luisana Lopilato, actress, model, and the wife of Canadian singer Michael Bublé.

Variants of this precious name in other parts of the world

Mia has been an inspiration in different parts of the world when it comes to deciding on the perfect name. Therefore, in England, the United States, and Germany, it’s one of the most popular choices. In fact, according to a German survey, the name is among the 10 most chosen names by today’s parents.

At the same time, in Spanish-speaking countries, the Real Academia Española de la Lengua (RAE) indicates that this name should be written with an accent: Mía. But in other countries and linguistic territories, the following variants of this precious name can be seen:

  • Maia
  • Maija
  • Maja
  • Maya
  • Miia
  • Miya
  • Miyah
  • Mya
  • Miaah
A baby taking a bath.
Your daughter is one of your greatest treasures in life. That’s why her name must represent something very special to you. And in this regard, Mía will exceed your expectations.

Fall in love with this alternative now that you know the origin and meaning of the name Mia

There’s no doubt that the beauty of the name Mia captivates any parent who wants a special, unique, and traditional name. An option that gives off light and happiness to anyone who has the pleasure of knowing someone with this name. As the famous modernist poet, Rubén Darío, so well wrote:

“Mía: That’s your name.
What could be more harmonious?
Mía: Daylight;
mine: Roses, flames.

What a scent you pour
on my soul
if I know that you love me!
Oh Mía! Oh Mía!”

-Rubén Darío-


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.