The Baby Name Wizard

Reader Contributions

Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Lydia!

Comments and insights on the name Lydia: | Edit

Lydia is one of the few female names from the New Testament.

Personal experiences with the name Lydia: | Edit

My husband won't consider Lydia, because of the unlikable Lydia Bennett in "Pride and Prejudice."

I love my name, but growing up, other little kids had trouble saying it. As a result I was often called "Alydia" or "Olivia." Also, for some reason, when people read my name off a list, they almost invariably call me Linda. So Lydia is a great name, it just takes some practice for those around you!

Your husband read Pride and Prejudice? Kudos on snagging a literate one.

Nicknames for Lydia: | Edit

Liddy, Lida, Lydiloo, Lyd, Lyda, Dede, Lyddie, Lyddie Lou, Lou Lou, Lids, Leila, Lidja, Libby

Meanings and history of the name Lydia: | Edit

Lydia of Thyatira was the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe.

Famous real-life people named Lydia: | Edit

Lydia Mei (1896-1965), Estonian artist
Lydia Cabrera (1899-1991), Cuban writer
Lydia Moss Bradley (1816-1908), American philanthropist
Lydia Millet, writer
Lidia Matticchio, Chef

Lydia in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Lydia the Tattooed Lady", performed by Groucho Marx
Lydia Bennett, character in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
Lydia, character in the movie "Beetlejuice"
Lydia Jane Hibbert, the bride in the second wedding in "Four Weddings and a Funeral"
Lydia, the oldest daughter in Mrs. Doubtfire