Nia has several roots: in Welsh it is a form of the Irish Niamh and means "bright" or "radiant", and in Swahili it means "purpose", which is why it is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The name is popular in African American families, and actress Nia Long is a well-known bearer. Nia ranked number 307 in the United States in 2000, its best year this century, and has gradually slipped to number 702 in 2025.