Names That Mean Wisdom

Sophie is the French form of the Greek Sophia, for which it is also commonly used as a nickname. Given Sophia's long standing among the Top 10 girl names in the US, Sophie may feel more popular than it actually is.

Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.

Sofia is a variation of the Greek name Sophia, which was derived directly from sophia, the Greek word for wisdom. It was the name of a Roman saint—the mother of Faith, Hope, and Charity—and queens of Russia and Spain.

Early European import, well known in the 1940s via Norwegian skating movie star Sonja Henie, that has sailed back across the Atlantic, despite the rising popularity of other Russian names.

This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls.

This rarified Greek name -- in classical mythology Pallas Athena was the goddess of wisdom and the arts -- might appeal to literary-minded parents. Among the raft of stylish girl names that start with P, Pallas is one rare choice that is often overlooked....but shouldn't be.

Aariv is connected to the Hindu god Krisha, who represents wisdom.

A streamlined spelling of Sophie, popular in several European nations, including Norway, Czechia, Denmark, and The Netherlands. While English speakers may say this as SO-fee, it may also be said as zo-FEE in German, so-FEE-uh in Danish and Norwegian and SO-fih-yeh in Czech.

About as pared-down as Sophia can be.

An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.

The mononymous KPOP singer and actor Jisoo — born Kim Ji-Soo — inspired several sets of parents to recently use her name for their daughters. She is a member of the girl band Blackpink and one of the leading social media influencers worldwide.

This pretty African girls' name has not one but two admirable meanings.

Sohvi is the Finnish translation of Sophia, although Sofia ranks as the most popular variation in Finland.

Minda is a simle, even familiar-sounding name that is nevertheless completely unknown. It might be a contraction of Melinda but it is a genuine Indian name with an appealing meaning.

This spelling of Sophia is primarily used in Russia and Armenia.

The elaborate Hungarian form of Sofia, with an alluring Z initial sound.

Spanish and Asturian variant of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.

A Frisian short form of Victoria, or a Dutch diminutive of Sofieke, from Sofie.

Baby-naming rule #487: it's probably best to avoid names whose only possible nickname is Gun.