Lydia is a female given name that has its roots in ancient Greek culture. It is derived from the name of the region of Lydia in western Asia Minor, which was known for its wealth and fine textiles. In Greek mythology, Lydia was also the name of a character who was the daughter of King Croesus, known for her beauty and intelligence. The name Lydia has been in use since ancient times and has remained popular throughout history, with notable figures including the biblical Lydia, a seller of purple cloth who was converted to Christianity by the apostle Paul. Today, Lydia remains a popular name around the world, with variations in different languages and cultures.
Lydia rank report (US ranking for newborns 2021)
Nicknames for Lydia
| Lyddie | LID-ee | A shortened, affectionate form of the name Lydia. |
| Liddy | LID-ee | A nickname that has been used for Lydia for centuries, it is a diminutive of the name Lydia. |
| Lia | LEE-uh | A shortened version of Lydia that is easy to say and spell. |
| Lidi | LID-ee | A cute and unique nickname for Lydia. |
| Lyd | LID | A simple, straightforward nickname for Lydia. |
| Lyds | LIDZ | A playful and informal nickname for Lydia. |
Famous people named Lydia
| Lydia Maria Child | Abolitionist, women's rights activist, and author | She wrote the famous poem "Over the River and Through the Wood |
| Lydia Ko | Professional golfer | She is the youngest player to win a professional golf tournament and has won numerous LPGA Tour events |
| Lydia Lunch | Singer, poet, and actress | She was a prominent figure in the No Wave music scene in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s |
| Lydia Davis | Author and translator | She is known for her innovative and concise short stories and has won numerous literary awards, including the Man Booker International Prize |
| Lydia Hearst | Model and actress | She is a member of the Hearst family, which owns the media conglomerate Hearst Corporation, and has appeared in numerous fashion campaigns and films |
| Lydia Maria Child | Abolitionist, women's rights activist, and author | She wrote the famous poem "Over the River and Through the Wood |
| Lydia Sigourney | Poet and essayist | She was a popular writer in the 19th century and was known as the "Sweet Singer of Hartford" for her sentimental poetry |
| Lydia Wilson | Actress | She has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Black Mirror and Star Trek: Beyond. |
Fictional character called Lydia from pop culture
| Lydia Deetz | Beetlejuice | A teenage girl who is fascinated with death and the afterlife. She becomes friends with the titular character Beetlejuice, a mischievous ghost, and helps him scare away her annoying living family. |
| Lydia Martin | Teen Wolf | A popular high school student who becomes involved in the supernatural world of werewolves and other creatures. She eventually becomes a banshee, a supernatural being who can sense death. |
| Lydia Frye | Assassin's Creed | A member of the Frye family, who are Assassins in the video game series. Lydia is a skilled fighter and assassin who helps her brother Jacob in his fight against the Templars in Victorian-era London. |
| Lydia Bennet | Pride and Prejudice | The youngest sister of the protagonist Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen's classic novel. Lydia is flighty and impulsive, and her elopement with the unscrupulous Mr. Wickham causes a scandal in the story. |
| Lydia Rodarte-Quayle | Breaking Bad | A chemist who becomes involved with the drug trade and works for the main characters in the TV series. She is known for her intelligence and resourcefulness, but ultimately meets a tragic end. |
| Lydia Night | The Regrettes | The lead singer and guitarist of the punk rock band The Regrettes. She is known for her powerful voice and feminist lyrics. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Lydia
| What is the origin of the name Lydia? | The name Lydia is of Greek origin. |
| What does the name Lydia mean? | The name Lydia means "from Lydia" or "woman from Lydia". |
| Is Lydia a popular name? | Lydia is a moderately popular name, ranking #89 in popularity in the US in 2020. |
| What are some famous people named Lydia? | Famous people named Lydia include Lydia Davis (author), Lydia Ko (golfer), and Lydia Lunch (musician). |
| Is Lydia a biblical name? | Yes, Lydia is a biblical name. Lydia was a woman from Thyatira who was converted to Christianity by the apostle Paul. |
| What are some nicknames for Lydia? | Common nicknames for Lydia include Lyd, Lyddie, and Liddy. |
| What is the gender of the name Lydia? | Lydia is a feminine name. |
| What is the meaning of the name Lydia in the Bible? | In the Bible, Lydia was a woman who sold purple cloth and was converted to Christianity by the apostle Paul. She is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. |