What does Mina mean and where does it come from?
The name Mina has several origins: in German, it is derived from 'Miene' meaning 'strong-willed'; in Japanese, it is often written as みな, meaning 'everyone' or 'all'. The name gained popularity due to literature and various cultural influences. Notable people include Mina Harker from Bram Stoker's '
Cultural significance
Mina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of strong in will.
Peak popularity
Reached #175 in 1880 — currently #586 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Mina?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Mina?
Mina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Mina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Mina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Mina Claire
French influence · crisp
Mina Jane
Literary · strong
Mina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Mina right now?
Rising — up 27 spots — currently #586 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #586 | 512 | ▲ up 27 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #613 | 488 | ▼ down 22 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #591 | 507 | ▲ up 71 · +18% births |
| 2020 | #662 | 431 | ▲ up 99 · +16% births |
| 2015 | #761 | 370 | ▲ up 203 · +40% births |
| 2010 | #964 | 265 | ▼ down 70 · -6% births |
| 2005 | #894 | 281 | ▲ up 248 · +58% births |
| 2000 | #1142 | 178 | ▲ up 181 · +42% births |
| 1995 | #1323 | 125 | ▲ up 758 · +98% births |
| 1990 | #2081 | 63 | ▼ down 247 · +3% births |
| 1985 | #1834 | 61 | ▲ up 52 · +7% births |
| 1980 | #1886 | 57 | ▲ up 76 · +27% births |
| 1975 | #1962 | 45 | ▲ up 198 · +22% births |
| 1970 | #2160 | 37 | ▼ down 444 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #1716 | 43 | — |
The story of Mina
Mina has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 17,357 babies have received this name. Once ranked #175 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #586 in 2023. Mina is used for both genders: 97% female and 3% male.
Names that peaked alongside Mina in 1880:
Mina by decade
Mina peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 773 | |
| 1890s | 1,009 | |
| 1900s | 756 | |
| 1910s | 1,288 | |
| 1920s | 1,236 | |
| 1930s | 863 | |
| 1940s | 700 | |
| 1950s | 577 | |
| 1960s | 521 | |
| 1970s | 431 | |
| 1980s | 731 | |
| 1990s | 1,379 | |
| 2000s | 2,703 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,950 | |
| 2020s | 440 | |
What are good nicknames for Mina?
Famous people named Mina
M(
Mina (Germanic saint)
Mina spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Mina (Scandinavian royal)
Mina held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Mina (Germanic saint)
Mina spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Mina (medieval German ruler)
Mina bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Mina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mina also consider these
Common questions about the name Mina
What does the name Mina mean?
Mina means "strong in will" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Mina?
Mina is currently ranked #586 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Mina have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Mina?
Mina originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Mina?
Mina is a two-syllable name pronounced M IH1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Mina trending right now?
Mina is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.