Scientists have called it the most beautiful name of 2022, but growing up, Sofia Leadbetter wished she had been given a more 'popular' moniker. There weren't many girls with the same name when the 27-year-old was at school, but it has since shot up in popularity in the UK, with many now recognising its timeless beauty.
Sofia is currently ranked the 23rd most popular name in the UK, while the Greek spelling of Sophia sits at number 12, just outside of the UK top ten. It's clear there's a lot of love for the moniker, which was recently found to be the most beautiful-sounding by linguistics researchers at the University of Birmingham.
Sofia has since grown to love her name and feels having such a beautiful moniker has benefitted her in life, as according to her, nice-sounding names "encourage people to think differently about you".
Speaking with the Mirror, PR professional Sofia said: "I think what I like best about my name is how it's pretty ancient and steeped in history. I believe it is an Ancient Greek word for 'wisdom'. I'm a big history lover so this makes it feel a bit special!"
Sofia's name was chosen at the very last minute, with her dad suggesting it after she was already born. Her parents hadn't agreed on a name beforehand and, although Sofia isn't quite sure how inspiration struck, she believes her Chilean father had been keen to christen her with a Spanish spelling. Her mum's favourite 'Alice' was added as a middle name.
Sofia, who works for the PR & communications firm Lem-uhn, says she was surprised to learn her name was voted the most beautiful sounding, admitting she doesn't keep up to date with popular names right now as starting a family of her own is still far from her mind.
Sofia added: "It just made me feel quite happy to hear because when I was a child, I didn't actually like my name that much because it wasn't very common and I didn't know any other Sofias.
"I think I wanted other names that were more popular, like Bethany maybe or something like that. But as I got older, and became an adult I really like my name. I'm happy now."
She added: "I think unique names can encourage people to think differently about you. Think about the rich and famous and some of the unique and weird names you get there. I think that must contribute to some of their success perhaps."
Although her name is now a popular choice for modern parents, Sofia still doesn't meet all that many other Sofias in her day-to-day life, and will often have to put up with being called 'Sophie' in emails.
Having long overcome her childhood misgivings, Sofia likes her scientifically-proven beautiful name very much, and says the only other one she'd ever consider swapping it for would be the lovely Celtic name 'Imogen'.
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