Lydia Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Lydia is a name of Greek origin, linked to the ancient kingdom of Lydia, meaning noble or kind. It has evolved through various languages and remains popular today. The name has a biblical connection through a prominent figure in the New Testament. Generally, Lydia is viewed positively, associated with grace and sophistication.
The name Lydia is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Lydia has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Lydia' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5519th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3673rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4826th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5827th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8789th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14556th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17079th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 182nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 249th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 221st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 312th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 216th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 130th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 87th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Lydia' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Lydia"
Pronunciation
/ˈlɪdiə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
Lydia derives from the ancient kingdom of Lydia, located in what is now western Turkey. The name is believed to be linked to the people of Lydia, known as Lydians.
Meaning
noble, kind
Language Evolution
Lydia (Ancient Greek: Λυδία), Lydie (French), Lidia (Italian, Spanish)
Biblical Background
Lydia is mentioned in the New Testament as a woman from Thyatira who became a follower of Paul the Apostle.
Historical Usage
The name Lydia gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, influenced by its biblical association and literary references.
Variants & Derivatives
Lydie, Lidia, Lyd, Lydie
Modern Popularity & Image
Lydia is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with grace and nobility. It remains a popular choice for girls in many countries.
Famous People
Lydia Ko, New Zealand professional golfer, Lydia Davis, American author and translator, Lydia Hearst, American model and actress
Explore More Lydia Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Lydia"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Lydia"
"Lydia" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5519th of 7545 | 22 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3673rd of 6773 | 73 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4826th of 7552 | 38 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5827th of 10718 | 46 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 8789th of 16616 | 46 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14556th of 24088 | 34 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 17079th of 23106 | 18 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 182nd of 9107 | 21,339 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 249th of 9204 | 13,013 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 221st of 12526 | 26,140 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 312th of 19264 | 13,055 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 216th of 27321 | 21,004 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 130th of 35406 | 41,703 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 87th of 30306 | 37,553 |
Regional Popularity of "Lydia" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
82.83% 1949th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
56.82% 4155th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Lydia" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
11.65% 165th/1416 |
13.05% 180th/1379 |
8.28% 196th/2366 |
12.43% 142nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
20.63% 319th/1546 |
13.50% 210th/1556 |
10.24% 241st/2353 |
11.38% 176th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
13.43% 299th/2227 |
8.48% 206th/2430 |
7.40% 211th/2853 |
6.81% 189th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
12.70% 373rd/2937 |
8.56% 298th/3483 |
8.39% 295th/3518 |
6.68% 270th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
5.18% 191st/3685 |
4.60% 206th/4475 |
4.06% 211th/5194 |
4.16% 263rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.68% 77th/4582 |
2.63% 136th/5164 |
2.06% 151st/7313 |
2.61% 195th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.13% 45th/3984 |
2.07% 93rd/4487 |
1.51% 103rd/6822 |
2.07% 130th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Lydia"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Lydia" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.