Sonia

Sonia is a feminine given name used in many languages. It is ultimately derived from Sophia, with its passage through Italian and Spanish forms as well as Slavic variants. The name is commonly associated with wisdom, reflecting the meaning of Sophia. Variants include Sonya and Sonja, while the Anglophone form Sonia is among the most widespread.

Across Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia, Sonia has been a popular name since the 20th century. The spelling varies by region, with Sonya and Sonja common in English-speaking and Slavic areas, respectively. The name also features in Indian, Latin American, and other naming traditions, sometimes as an independent choice rather than a derivative of Sophia.

Notable people named Sonia include Sonia Sotomayor, an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court; Sonia Gandhi, an Indian political figure; Sonia Braga, a Brazilian actress; Sonia Rykiel, a French fashion designer; and Sonia Sánchez, an American poet and activist. The name has been used for fictional characters as well, reflecting its broad cultural reach.

Because of its long-standing use across cultures, Sonia is regarded as a classic, versatile name that has remained in circulation without a single dominant association. It is primarily recognized as a given name rather than a surname or title.