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Mia is a traditionally feminine name with roots in Latin languages (Spanish, Italian) as well as in Hebrew. It's also common in Scandinavian countries as an abbreviation of Maria. A popular Israeli name, Mia is often an abbreviation of Michal.

Like Maria, Mia can mean "bitter," "rebellious," or "wished-for child." Names with similar meanings include sound-alikes such as Mary, Marie, Miri, Maryam, Miriam, Mimi, Mariah, Mariana, Merry, Maliyah, Malia, Amara, Molly, and Meryl, as well as "rebel" girl names like Bridget, Arya, Eleanor, Hermione, Harriet, Josephine, Ruth, Joan, Amelia, or even Rebel. Parents who like the sound of Mia also tend to like Aria, Ava, Avery, Amelia, Emma, Ella, Isabella, Olivia, Mila, Mira, Mila, Maya, Layla, or Sophia.

Famous Mias include: musicians Mia Zapata, Mia Wray, and Pia Mia Perez; models Mia Pojatina and Mia Rkman; American visual artist Mia Brownell; athletes Mia Hagman, Mia Newley, Mia Strömmer, and Mia Hamm (born Mariel Margaret); actors Mia Farrow (born Maria), Mia Sara, Mia Tyler, Mia Wasikowska, Mia Kirsner, and Mia May; and choreographer Mia Newley.

Mia originated as a hypocoristic (nickname or shorter name) and wasn't first recorded as a given name in the U.S. until the 1960s. Popularity-wise, Mia began skyrocketing in the 1990s and reached its most popular year ever in 2015.

Mia in quotes:

“I'm going to take the high road because the low road is so crowded.” — Mia Farrow

“We all have scars, Mia; they are supposed to make you stronger, not paralyze you.” ~Cole”
― Tina Carreiro, Power of the Moon

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