What does Pelagia mean and where does it come from?
Pelagia comes from the Greek word 'pelagos,' meaning 'sea' or 'ocean.' It has historical roots in the Eastern Orthodox Church with Saint Pelagia, a 4th-century martyr. In Italy, the name Pelagia has been used historically and is often associated with beauty. Its usage has fluctuated but remains a ch
Cultural significance
Pelagia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the sea.
Peak popularity
Reached #1101 in 1886 — currently #17387 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pelagia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Pelagia?
Pelagia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pelagia Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Pelagia Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Pelagia Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Pelagia Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Pelagia Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Pelagia Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Pelagia right now?
Falling — down 10020 spots — currently #17387 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #14503 | 6 | ▼ down 10020 |
| 1925 | #4483 | 6 | ▼ down 141 · +20% births |
| 1915 | #4342 | 5 | — |
The story of Pelagia
Pelagia has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 91 total births recorded, Pelagia remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4342 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14503 in 2015.
Names that peaked alongside Pelagia in 1886:
Pelagia by decade
Pelagia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 12 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s ★ | 31 | |
| 1920s | 16 | |
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 16 | |
💎Pelagia has only 91 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pelagia?
What names sound and feel like Pelagia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pelagia also consider these
How is Pelagia written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Pelagia?
Common questions about the name Pelagia
What does the name Pelagia mean?
Pelagia means "Of the sea" — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Pelagia?
Pelagia is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pelagia?
Pelagia originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Pelagia?
Pelagia is a four-syllable name pronounced pel-AH-jee-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Pelagia?
Pelagia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.