mia

Mia is a feminine given name used in many cultures. Often a diminutive of Maria or Marie in European languages, it has also grown as an independent name in recent decades.

Etymology and origins vary by region. It is commonly regarded as a pet form of Maria in many languages; in some cases, it is linked to Maia, a Greek mythological figure, or to the Italian possessive mia meaning "mine," though the latter is not generally treated as a direct source of the given name.

Pronunciation and variations: In English, Mia is typically pronounced MEE-uh; in other languages it may be MEE-ah or MYA. Variants include Mya and Maya, though those names have separate origins and histories.

Popularity and usage: Mia has been widely used across the English-speaking world and in continental Europe. In the United States, it has ranked among the top names for girls since the early 2000s, remaining common into the 2020s. It is also favored in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, and many other countries.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Mia include Mia Farrow (American actress and activist), Mia Hamm (American soccer player), Mia Wasikowska (Australian actress), Mia Goth (British actress), and Mia Khalifa (former adult film actress).

Fictional characters: In fiction, Mia Thermopolis is a princess in The Princess Diaries series and films; Mia Wallace is a character in Pulp Fiction.