What does Minna mean and where does it come from?
Minna is often considered a diminutive of Wilhelmina or other names, enjoying popularity especially in Germany and Nordic countries. It can be associated with attributes of affection and love. The name saw popularity in the 19th century and continues to be seen in continental Europe. Notable people
Cultural significance
Minna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #369 in 1889 — currently #6096 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Minna?
Minna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Minna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Minna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Minna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Minna Claire
French influence · crisp
Minna Jane
Literary · strong
Minna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Minna right now?
Falling — down 1925 spots — currently #6096 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6096 | 20 | ▼ down 1925 · -43% births |
| 2022 | #4171 | 35 | ▲ up 629 · +25% births |
| 2021 | #4800 | 28 | ▼ down 571 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #4229 | 32 | ▲ up 59 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #4288 | 33 | ▲ up 1480 · +43% births |
| 2010 | #5768 | 23 | ▼ down 657 · -8% births |
| 2005 | #5111 | 25 | ▲ up 828 · +39% births |
| 2000 | #5939 | 18 | ▼ down 1420 · -18% births |
| 1995 | #4519 | 22 | ▲ up 350 · +16% births |
| 1990 | #4869 | 19 | ▲ up 1591 · +90% births |
| 1985 | #6460 | 10 | ▼ down 1483 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #4977 | 14 | ▼ down 125 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #4852 | 12 | ▼ down 599 · -8% births |
| 1970 | #4253 | 13 | ▲ up 2287 · +160% births |
| 1965 | #6540 | 5 | — |
The story of Minna
Minna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,010 total births recorded, Minna remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #413 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #6096 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Minna in 1889:
Minna by decade
Minna peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 218 | |
| 1890s | 362 | |
| 1900s | 295 | |
| 1910s ★ | 411 | |
| 1920s | 226 | |
| 1930s | 134 | |
| 1940s | 136 | |
| 1950s | 86 | |
| 1960s | 50 | |
| 1970s | 135 | |
| 1980s | 160 | |
| 1990s | 225 | |
| 2000s | 239 | |
| 2010s | 301 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎With 3,010 total births, Minna is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Minna?
Famous people named Minna
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Minna (Germanic saint)
Minna spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Minna (Scandinavian royal)
Minna held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
M(
Minna (Germanic saint)
Minna spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
M(
Minna (medieval German ruler)
Minna 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 Minna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Minna also consider these
How is Minna written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Minna?
Common questions about the name Minna
What does the name Minna mean?
Minna means "German" — 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 Minna?
Minna is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Minna?
Minna 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 Minna?
Minna 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 Minna a common or rare name?
Minna is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.