What does Medina mean and where does it come from?
The name 'Medina' originates from the Arabic word 'مدينة' which means 'city'. It is also the name of a significant city in Saudi Arabia where the Prophet Muhammad is buried. Medina symbolizes a place of refuge and sustenance. It is sometimes used in Hispanic communities as a reference to cities, par
Cultural significance
Medina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of city.
Peak popularity
Reached #2537 in 1963 — currently #4138 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Medina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Medina?
Medina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Medina Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Medina Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Medina Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Medina Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Medina Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Medina Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Medina right now?
Falling — down 1325 spots — currently #4138 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4138 | 35 | ▼ down 1325 · -42% births |
| 2024 | #2813 | 60 | ▲ up 224 · +9% births |
| 2023 | #3037 | 55 | ▲ up 24 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #3061 | 54 | ▲ up 855 · +42% births |
| 2021 | #3916 | 38 | ▲ up 334 · +19% births |
| 2020 | #4250 | 32 | ▲ up 909 · +23% births |
| 2015 | #5159 | 26 | ▼ down 1259 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #3900 | 39 | ▼ down 879 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #3021 | 53 | ▲ up 263 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #3284 | 41 | ▲ up 422 · +41% births |
| 1995 | #3706 | 29 | ▲ up 872 · +38% births |
| 1990 | #4578 | 21 | ▼ down 904 · -9% births |
| 1985 | #3674 | 23 | ▼ down 223 · -4% births |
| 1980 | #3451 | 24 | ▼ down 673 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #2778 | 27 | — |
The story of Medina
Medina entered American naming records in 1948 and has been in use for over 76 years. With 1,743 total births recorded, Medina remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3219 in 1955 to #3037 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Medina in 1963:
Medina by decade
Medina peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 86 | |
| 1960s | 165 | |
| 1970s | 213 | |
| 1980s | 192 | |
| 1990s | 307 | |
| 2000s ★ | 391 | |
| 2010s | 352 | |
| 2020s | 127 | |
💎With 1,743 total births, Medina is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Medina?
Famous people named Medina
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Medina (Sufi mystic)
Medina used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
M(
Medina (historical Arab ruler)
Medina held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
M(
Medina (Sufi mystic)
Medina used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
M(
Medina (Islamic scholar)
Medina bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Medina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Medina also consider these
Common questions about the name Medina
What does the name Medina mean?
Medina means "City" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Medina?
Medina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Medina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Medina?
Medina originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Medina?
Medina is a three-syllable name pronounced mud-EYE-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Medina?
Medina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.