Fun Facts About the Name Sofija
- 378 babies named Sofija: U.S. records list 378 babies given the name Sofija from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Sofija Mean?
Sofija means "wisdom" and comes from the Greek word sophía (σοφία), which covered wisdom, skill, and cleverness. It is the form of Sophia used in Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, Macedonian, and Slovenian, as well as in Lithuanian and Latvian. In the South Slavic languages the Greek ending -ia regularly becomes -ija, which is why the name is written Sofija rather than Sophia; the same shift produced Marija from Maria.
Sofija Name History & Origins
The name entered Slavic use along with Christianity. As Greek religious texts were translated for Slavic-speaking churches from the ninth century onward, the names of saints and biblical figures were carried over as well, and Sophia was among them. Slavic speakers reshaped the Greek form to fit their own sound patterns, giving Sofija in the South Slavic languages. In Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia it is written Sofija in Latin script and Софија in Cyrillic. Slovenia uses Sofija too, and Lithuanian and Latvian, whose Christian vocabulary also drew on Greek and Latin, likewise use Sofija.
The name's religious associations are old. In the Eastern Church, Holy Wisdom - Hagia Sophia in Greek - served as a title for Christ and was given to major churches, most famously the cathedral of Constantinople begun under Justinian in the sixth century. A different figure, the martyr Sophia, was remembered as the mother of the daughters Faith, Hope, and Love. Both associations kept the name familiar to Orthodox and Catholic Slavs over the centuries.
How Popular is the Name Sofija?
Sofija has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2025. Its best rank was #5,378 in 2025.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #5,378 | 24 | 0.0015% |
| 2024 | #6,868 | 17 | 0.0011% |
| 2023 | #8,418 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2022 | #9,587 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2021 | #7,580 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2020 | #7,525 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2019 | #5,767 | 22 | 0.0013% |
| 2018 | #8,545 | 13 | 0.0008% |
| 2017 | #7,394 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 2016 | #7,934 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2015 | #6,210 | 21 | 0.0012% |
| 2014 | #8,009 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 2013 | #8,101 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2012 | #6,834 | 19 | 0.0011% |
| 2011 | #9,074 | 13 | 0.0007% |
| 2010 | #7,470 | 17 | 0.0010% |
| 2009 | #9,905 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2008 | #7,034 | 19 | 0.0010% |
| 2007 | #7,362 | 18 | 0.0009% |
| 2006 | #11,309 | 10 | 0.0005% |
| 2005 | #10,027 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2004 | #9,815 | 11 | 0.0006% |
| 2003 | #15,518 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | #7,003 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 2000 | #12,958 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1999 | #12,517 | 7 | 0.0004% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Sofija Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are spiritually intense and can sting or charm. Your name brings love and new starts into life and attracts money. In business, you are the creator and promoter of original ideas and usually enjoy considerable financial success. You are frank, methodical and believe in law, system and order.
You find the best contentment in life when you own your own home and provide well for your family and loved ones. You have a great sense of responsibility and duty. You are comforting, appreciative and affectionate. Your obligation in life is to hold justice and truth, and if you follow the Law, you can find the great happiness and satisfaction.
✦ Sofija's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Sofija's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.