Mia

Mia originated as a Scandinavian and Dutch short form of Maria, itself the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew name Miryam, whose exact meaning remains debated but may relate to roots meaning beloved or bitter. The name spread widely across northern and central Europe as an affectionate diminutive before gaining independent popularity throughout the English-speaking world in the late twentieth century. Its rise was boosted in part by the prominence of American actress Mia Farrow, born Maria de Lourdes Villiers Farrow, who brought the form to mainstream attention. Closely related forms include Maria, Marie, and Maja.