Ia

Derived from the Georgian noun ია (ia) meaning "violet", as in the spring flower (also see VIOLET). In turn, it is thought to be derived from the Georgian noun იასამანი (iasamani) meaning "lilac", which might possibly be of Persian origin. However, ია (ia) could also be derived from ancient Greek ἴα (ia), which is the plural form of ἴον (ion) meaning "violet".

Known bearers of this name include the Georgian actresses Ia Parulava (b. 1967) and Iamze "Ia" Sukhitashvili (b. 1980).

Of unknown origin and meaning. Saint Ia was a 5th-century Cornish virgin martyr, an Irish princess, according to popular tradition, who travelled to Cornwall as a missionary and was martyred on the River Hayle under TUDUR Mawr, ruler of Penwith. Ia gave her name to her burial place; St Ia's Church was erected over her grave and around the church grew the town of Porth Ia (later renamed St Ives in honour of a bishop named Ivo or IVE).

Short form of IAKOB and ILIA. In some cases, it might also be derived from the Arabic name YAHYA, which is written as იაჰია (Iahia) in Georgian.

This given name is rare today, but it was common in the 9th century.

Known Georgian bearers of this name include the composer Ilia "Ia" Kargareteli (1867-1939) and the writer Ia Ekaladze (1872-1933).

From Japanese 惟 (i) meaning "only", 唯 (i) meaning "ordinary, usual" combined with 愛 (a) meaning "love, affection" and 亜 (a) meaning "second, Asia". Other kanji combinations are possible.