Is Shia a boy's or girl's name?

Shia is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 1,058 recorded births.

When was Shia most popular?

Shia reached its peak popularity in 2024 with 170 births that year. It is currently ranked #1201 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Shia?

Shia is currently ranked #1201 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 2,115 babies since 1960.

Shia

An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsHebrewRising fast Also a pet name

#1201▲ 35in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Alternative form of Shi'a.

Shia is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a short form of Isaiah, from Hebrew Yeshayahu, meaning 'God is salvation' or 'Yahweh saves,' composed of Yah (God) and yasha (to save).

Actor Shia LaBeouf brought this understated Hebrew name to mainstream American awareness through his roles in Transformers and Indiana Jones films. Short, unusual, and with the weighty prophetic heritage of Isaiah behind it, Shia is a name that carries more than its two syllables might suggest.

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Popularity Over Time

Shia climbed 3187 spots in the last 20 years — from #4388 to #1201.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Shia
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	757	#1273	—
2010s	835	#1827	▲
2000s	395	#3577	▲
1990s	100	#6362	▲
1980s	23	#6290	▲
1960s	5	#4523	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(39 years, 1960–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Shia
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	170	#1201	+11 (6.9%)
2023	159	#1236	+13 (8.9%)
2022	146	#1304	-6 (-3.9%)
2021	152	#1260	+22 (16.9%)
2020	130	#1366	+45 (52.9%)
2019	85	#1812	+13 (18.1%)
2018	72	#2027	-27 (-27.3%)
2017	99	#1620	+27 (37.5%)
2016	72	#2006	-1 (-1.4%)
2015	73	#1997	-20 (-21.5%)
2014	93	#1667	+22 (31.0%)
2013	71	#1960	+1 (1.4%)
2012	70	#2014	-34 (-32.7%)
2011	104	#1532	+8 (8.3%)
2010	96	#1635	-19 (-16.5%)
2009	115	#1454	+32 (38.6%)
2008	83	#1799	+43 (107.5%)
2007	40	#2966	+5 (14.3%)
2006	35	#3146	+4 (12.9%)
2005	31	#3308	+11 (55.0%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Shia as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Shia has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 1,058 births since 1993.

#3036

Current rank

1,058

Total births

2008

Peak year

Compare Shia as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Shia be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Shia is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1201. As a girl's name, it ranks #3036.

Shia has two lives

Shia, the baby name

#1201boys

2,115 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1960–2024) · Methodology