The name "Sophia" can refer to multiple entities:
1. Sophia (Wisdom): In Gnosticism and some feminist theologies, Sophia is a feminine figure representing wisdom or a divine entity. Some consider Sophia to be an important link between traditional concepts of God and feminist spirituality. Interest in Sophia is not a new phenomenon as she was a recurrent theme throughout the conference. Some understand this personification of wisdom as nothing more than a literary device.
2. Sophia (Humanoid Robot): Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by Hanson Robotics in 2016. Activated on February 14, 2016, she can mimic social behavior and induce feelings of love in humans. Sophia made headlines as the first robot to receive citizenship, granted by Saudi Arabia in 2017 and was the first non-human to be given a United Nations title. In December 2024, Sophia visited Zimbabwe, participating in an Artificial Intelligence and Innovation event.
3. Sophia Smith (Soccer Player): Sophia Smith (born in 2000) is a professional soccer player for the Portland Thorns FC and the United States women's national team. She helped her college team, the Stanford Cardinal, win the national championship in 2019. Smith was the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL College Draft. Individual achievements include being named the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Championship MVP in 2022. She won the NWSL Golden Boot in 2023. She was also on the USWNT team for the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which the U.S. won.
4. Sophia Kirkby (Luger): Sophia Kirkby is a Team USA luger. In February 2026, she competed in the first-ever women's doubles luge event at the Winter Olympics, finishing fifth.
5. Sophia Forchas (Shooting Victim): In August 2025, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas was critically injured in a shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. As of September 2025, she was showing signs of resilience and was upgraded to serious condition.
6. Sophia (Protofeminist Author): "Sophia, a Person of Quality" was the pen name of an 18th-century author of protofeminist treatises. She wrote "Woman Not Inferior to Man" (1739) and "Woman's Superior Excellence Over Man" (1740), arguing for the equality and moral superiority of women. The identity of the author remains uncertain.
7. Other notable people named Sophia/Sofia:
- Sophia Loren: An Italian film actress and singer, with a career spanning over seven decades, marked by versatility and acting prowess.
- Sofia Vergara: Best known for portraying Gloria Delgado-Pritchett in Modern Family.
- Sofia Coppola: A screenwriter and director, known for films such as "Lost in Translation".
- Sophie Turner: Played Sansa Stark in the HBO series Game of Thrones, and Jean Grey/Phoenix in the X-Men franchise.
- Sophie Winkleman: An actress who worked in television, with credits on "Two and a Half Men".
- Sophie Wright: A chef who has appeared on Great Food Live, ITV Daily Cooks and Food Poker on BBC2.
- Sofia Rotaru: A singer who reported the highest income of all celebrities in Ukraine in 2008 and 2010.
