When I was pregnant with my first daughter eight years ago, I knew what her name would be: Emma. Short, sweet, and feminine, it was a name I had adored since childhood. Then I peeked at the Social Security Administration's top baby names for the previous year. It turned out it had been the second most popular name for quite some time! While I loved the name, I wanted something just a bit more unusual. I imagine many other parents are falling in love with Sophia and getting the same rude awakening: It holds the highest rank for baby girl names in the United States.
So what to do if you had your heart set on Sophia but its No. 1 status ruined your fun? Take a closer look at the name and figure out what made you fall in love with it in the first place. We've broken similar names up into a few categories to help you find a moniker as special as your girl is sure to be.
Girl names that sound like Sophia
So much about Sophia appeals to the ear. It proves feminine names don't have to be floral or frilly: Sophia Petrillo didn't mess around. We think Sylvia — nickname Sylvie, just like Sophie! — is the dark horse contender here. While it sounds dated, keep in mind Sophia was an old lady name until a decade ago.
Bianca
Celia
Elise
Felicia
Finola
Fiona
Genevieve
Giada
Josephine
Lucia
Natalia
Olivia
Portia
Sabrina
Scarlett
Sylvia
Victoria
Vivienne
Zosia
Gorgeous Greek girl names
Sophia's Greek roots make for a unique presentation. If the ph is what pleases your eye, you'll adore these gorgeous Greek names fit for a goddess.
Adelphie
Agatha
Althea
Calliope
Chloe
Cynthia
Daphne
Delia
Delphine
Elena
Eugenia
Ione
Lydia
Ophelia
Ophira
Penelope
Persephone
Phoebe
Rhea
Sapphira
Seraphina
Sophronia
Stephanie
Thalia
Zoe
Find more Greek names here.
Wise baby girl names
Perhaps the meaning of Sophia appeals to you? It means "wisdom," which is sadly uncommon among baby girl monikers. Thankfully we found a few strong contenders suitable for your intelligent baby girl.
Athena: goddess of wisdom
Aubrey: rules with elf-wisdom
Jada: knowing
Minerva: wise
Sage: wise one
Shannon: little old wise one
Solona: wise
Sonia/Sonja/Sonya: wise
… or just choose Sophia
If none of these names gives you enough of a tingle to oust Sophia from the top of your list, don't be discouraged. Call your girl Sophia. It sits atop the charts for a reason! Be comforted by the fact that, even if you add in all the Sophies and Sofias, your girl's name won't come close to the popularity of a 1970s Jennifer or early 20th century Mary.
More baby name inspiration
International versions of popular baby names
Top baby names by state
Baby names for summer babies