Nia is a popular Welsh girl’s name with Irish origins.

Meaning of the Name Nia

The name Nia does not have any direct meaning. The name was made popular in Wales by the poet T Gwynn Jones in the 19th and 20th centuries. According to legend, Nia went with Osian to the land of youth (‘Tir na n-Og’).

Origin

Nia is of Welsh origin and carries the meaning of “bright” or “radiant”. It symbolises positivity, joy, and a vibrant personality. In Welsh mythology, Nia is believed to be a shortened version of the name Gwenhwyfar, associated with the Arthurian legend of Queen Guinevere

Popularity of the Name

Nai was the 55th most popular baby name in Wales and the 8th most popular Welsh name according to the birth data released by the Office of National Statistics in 2011. However, in 2022, Nia wasn’t in the top 100 baby girls’ names.

Famous People Called Nia

Here is a list of famous people and celebrities with the name Nia:

• Nia Parry – A Welsh presenter and producer who is popular with Welsh learners
• Nia Caron – Welsh actress who stars in the Welsh soap Pobol y Cwm
• Nia Robert – Welsh actress who’s starred in Dr Who and opposite Ioan Gruffudd
• Nia Jermin – Actress who’s appeared in Doc Martin & Casualty

Additional Resources

If you are interested in other Welsh names or are looking for a name for your baby then see our comprehensive list of Welsh girl’s names.