Sonia

girlRussian / European, from Sophia (Greek)Not a traditional Muslim name

Sonia is a Russian / European, from Sophia (Greek) girl name meaning “Wisdom (as a form of Sophia)”.

MeaningWisdom (as a form of Sophia)
GenderGirl
OriginRussian / European, from Sophia (Greek)
PronunciationSOH-nyah
Muslim name?Not a traditional Muslim name

Meaning and origin of Sonia

Sonia began as a Russian pet form of Sofya (Sophia, Greek for wisdom) and spread through Europe in the twentieth century. It became fashionable in Algeria and Tunisia under French influence and is still borne by many North African Muslim women of that generation. It has no Arabic root and does not come from Islamic tradition.

Is Sonia a Muslim name?

Sonia is not a traditional Muslim name, though many Muslim women in Algeria and Tunisia carry it. It is a European form of Sophia. Families wanting a similar sound with an Arabic meaning often choose Sana, Soumaya or Safia.

Where is the name Sonia used?

Common among Algerian and Tunisian women born from the 1960s to the 1990s, and widely used in Europe and South Asia.

Gifts with the name Sonia

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Sonia

SonyaSonjaSonie

Muslim names similar to Sonia

If you like the sound of Sonia but want a name with an Islamic meaning, consider:

Read more

More girl names like Sonia

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Sonia mean?

Sonia means 'Wisdom (as a form of Sophia)'. It comes from Russian / European, from Sophia (Greek).

Is Sonia a Muslim name?

Sonia is not a traditional Muslim name, though many Muslim women in Algeria and Tunisia carry it. It is a European form of Sophia. Families wanting a similar sound with an Arabic meaning often choose Sana, Soumaya or Safia.

How do you pronounce Sonia?

Sonia is pronounced SOH-nyah.

Updated October 2026 · Researched by the Modern Muslim Names team. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.