Minna

German — Associated with attributes of affection and love
Germanic origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#6096US 2023
20Births / yr
Falling
3kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.02% of births at peak
How to pronounce Minna
MIN·uh
/ˈmɪn.ə/ · stress on MIN · 2 syllables
German
Associated with attributes of affection and love · Germanic origin

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.
🌿
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
👶
Middle Names
The best middle names for Minna
Browse ideas →

How popular is Minna right now?

Falling — down 1925 spots — currently #6096 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802023#6096 · Top 4.5%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#609620▼ down 1925 · -43% births
2022#417135▲ up 629 · +25% births
2021#480028▼ down 571 · -12% births
2020#422932▲ up 59 · -3% births
2015#428833▲ up 1480 · +43% births
2010#576823▼ down 657 · -8% births
2005#511125▲ up 828 · +39% births
2000#593918▼ down 1420 · -18% births
1995#451922▲ up 350 · +16% births
1990#486919▲ up 1591 · +90% births
1985#646010▼ down 1483 · -29% births
1980#497714▼ down 125 · +17% births
1975#485212▼ down 599 · -8% births
1970#425313▲ up 2287 · +160% births
1965#65405

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 →

DecadeBirths
1880s218
1890s362
1900s295
1910s411
1920s226
1930s134
1940s136
1950s86
1960s50
1970s135
1980s160
1990s225
2000s239
2010s301
2020s32
💎With 3,010 total births, Minna is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Minna?

Common
MinMi

Famous people named Minna

M(
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.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →

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.