Delia

Delia comes from the name of the Greek island Delos and was an epithet of Artemis, who was said to have been born there. Its meaning is best expressed as “of Delos,” keeping the geographical and mythological connection visible. Later literary use helped establish it as a personal name beyond the ancient epithet.

Delia can also be a familiar form of longer names such as Adelia or Cordelia, which have their own histories. Cookbook writer Delia Smith and writer Delia Ephron are recognizable bearers of the standalone form. A family using Delia as a nickname need not intend the Delos association, so the full naming context remains useful when explaining its meaning.