Shia Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shia originates from Arabic, meaning 'follower' or 'partisan'. It has evolved from the Arabic term 'Shīʿa', specifically relating to the followers of Ali in Islamic history. The name has a profound significance in the context of Shia Islam and reflects a strong sense of identity and community among its adherents. There is no direct biblical relevance associated with the name. Historically, it gained prominence after the 7th century, as the Islamic community developed into various sects. Common variants of the name include Shii and Shiite. Today, Shia is viewed as an important identifier within the Islamic faith, representing a significant cultural and religious tradition.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shia"
Pronunciation
/ˈʃiːə/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Shia comes from the Arabic word 'Shīʿa', which means 'partisans' or 'followers', particularly in reference to the followers of Ali, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad.
Meaning
follower, partisan
Language Evolution
Shīʿa (Arabic), Shia (English)
Historical Usage
The term Shia gained popularity in the context of Islamic history, particularly after the death of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, as it referred to those who supported Ali's claim to leadership.
Variants & Derivatives
Shii, Shiite
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary times, Shia is recognized primarily as a designation for a significant branch of Islam, which is often associated with a rich cultural heritage and a strong community identity.
Famous People
Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad Baqir, Muhammad Jafar al-Sadiq
📊 Shia Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shia Name Visualizations
✨ Shia Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 224 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 16 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shia" - Complete Guide (16 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shia". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 16 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shia" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shia"
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 "Shia"
"Shia" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7061st of 16616 | 76 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2501st of 24088 | 712 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1551st of 23106 | 1,322 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 21628th of 27321 | 13 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4048th of 35406 | 550 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3724th of 30306 | 495 |
Regional Popularity of "Shia" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
36.65% 1640th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
17.76% 917th/5164 |
45.59% 3334th/7313 |
37.83% 2823rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
60.99% 2430th/3984 |
14.42% 647th/4487 |
32.10% 2190th/6822 |
27.41% 1720th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Shia" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
79.11% 3625th/4582 |
64.41% 3326th/5164 |
49.84% 3645th/7313 |
58.72% 4382nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
72.81% 3267th/4487 |
70.74% 4826th/6822 |
48.63% 3052nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shia"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shia" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shia" in the United States
The name Shia is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast 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, Shia has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Shia' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7061st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2501st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1551st out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 21628th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4048th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3724th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Shia' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.