What does Mena mean and where does it come from?
Mena is a name with multiple origins. In Arabic culture, it is often associated with calmness and tranquility. In Italian contexts, it is sometimes considered a nickname derived from Carmela. The name has enjoyed usage in various regions, including the Middle East and among Italian-American communit
Cultural significance
Mena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of مَنَا: (mena) means 'the location of water' or 'place of rest'.
Peak popularity
Reached #808 in 1880 — currently #822 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Mena?
Mena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mena Claire
French influence · crisp
Mena Jane
Literary · strong
Mena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mena right now?
Holding steady — currently #822 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #822 | 1,378 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #827 | 1,358 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #832 | 1,328 | ▲ up 4977 · +6540% births |
| 2020 | #5809 | 20 | ▼ down 965 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #4844 | 28 | ▼ down 1329 · -38% births |
| 2010 | #3515 | 45 | ▼ down 112 · +2% births |
| 2005 | #3403 | 44 | ▲ up 1128 · +69% births |
| 2000 | #4531 | 26 | ▲ up 1736 · +86% births |
| 1995 | #6267 | 14 | ▲ up 3947 · +100% births |
| 1990 | #10214 | 7 | ▼ down 3251 · -22% births |
| 1985 | #6963 | 9 | ▼ down 629 · -10% births |
| 1980 | #6334 | 10 | ▲ up 1665 · +67% births |
| 1975 | #7999 | 6 | ▼ down 2931 · -40% births |
| 1970 | #5068 | 10 | ▼ down 228 · +25% births |
| 1965 | #4840 | 8 | — |
The story of Mena
Mena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,571 total births recorded, Mena remains relatively uncommon. Mena is used for both genders: 90% female and 10% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mena in 1880:
Mena by decade
Mena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 24 | |
| 1890s | 37 | |
| 1900s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 60 | |
| 1920s | 69 | |
| 1930s | 34 | |
| 1940s | 24 | |
| 1950s | 56 | |
| 1960s | 46 | |
| 1970s | 87 | |
| 1980s | 147 | |
| 1990s | 163 | |
| 2000s ★ | 423 | |
| 2010s | 375 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎With 1,571 total births, Mena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Mena?
Famous people named Mena
M(
Mena (Arab poet)
Mena carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
M(
Mena (Islamic scholar)
Mena bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
M(
Mena (Quranic figure)
Mena appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
M(
Mena (Arab poet)
Mena carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Mena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mena also consider these
Common questions about the name Mena
What does the name Mena mean?
Mena means "مَنَا: (Mena) means 'the location of water' or 'place of rest'" — 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 Mena?
Mena is currently ranked #822 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Mena?
Mena 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.
Is Mena a common or rare name?
Mena is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Mena more of a girl or boy name?
Mena is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.