Origin and meaning of the name Mina

The given name "Mina" has roots in various languages and cultures, but its most common origins are Germanic (from Minburg), Greek (Μηνα, meaning "month"), and Scandinavian (related to the Old Norse name Mynja). In the Germanic context, it is derived from the element 'min-' or 'men-', which means "small" or "little". Minburg was a town in Swabia (a region in southern Germany), and its inhabitants were often named after their place of origin. In Greek, Μηνα (Mina) is derived from the word μήνη (mēnē), meaning 'month.' This name may have been given to girls born during a specific month. In Scandinavian cultures, Mina is sometimes considered to be a shortened form of names like Minna or Mynja, which are derived from the Old Norse word for "strength" (minn) or "protection." These various origins showcase the multicultural influences that have shaped and continued to evolve personal names throughout history.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Mina

The name Mina is of Hebrew, Greek, and Germanic origin, with various interpretations and uses across different cultures. In Hebrew, it means "rebelliousness" or "refusal," symbolizing a strong-willed individual. In Greek, it signifies "mine, possession," suggesting ownership or belonging. The name has also been used in German as a short form for names containing the element Minna, derived from the Old High German Mundin meaning "peace."

The name Mina gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages and was later adopted by other cultures around the world. It is now commonly used in English-speaking countries, especially as a diminutive or nickname for names like Hermannina (German) or Wilhelmina (Dutch and German), which contain the name Minna.

Historically, Mina has been associated with strong, independent women who are confident and determined. Famous figures bearing this name include Mina Loy, an influential modernist poet, and Mina Ger espich, a renowned Swiss mathematician known for her work in group theory. Today, the name continues to be admired for its unique and powerful connotations.

Character traits associated with the name Mina

The name Mina is often associated with individuals who possess qualities of determination, intelligence, and empathy. Historically, Minas from various cultures have been depicted as resilient figures, overcoming challenges with tenacity. They are known for their strong intellect, using it to navigate complex situations with grace and wisdom. Additionally, they are empathetic and compassionate, showing a deep concern for the well-being of others and a desire to help those in need. These qualities make Minas natural problem solvers and effective communicators. Their strong character and diverse talents have contributed to their representation in various fields, from literature to science, reflecting their versatility and adaptability. Overall, a Mina is an individual who embodies strength, intelligence, empathy, and adaptability, making them a valuable member of any community.

Popularity of the name Mina

The name Mina has been consistently popular across various regions and cultures. In the United States, it ranked among the top 1000 baby names for girls from 1880 to the present day, peaking in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s. Globally, Mina is also a well-liked name, with variations such as Minah, Minae, and Minna found across different countries including Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Sweden. The name's appeal may be attributed to its short and simple structure, combined with its distinctive sound and various cultural associations, making it both timeless and modern in many societies.

Famous people with the name Mina

Mina Harker is a prominent fictional character from Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula." In the story, she is the wife of Jonathan Harker and becomes the victim of Count Dracula. Another well-known figure named Mina is Mina Achete-Groff, an influential Haitian political activist who played a significant role in the fight for women's rights during the Haitian Revolution. In the realm of music, there are two notable individuals named Mina: Mina (Italian singer) and Minas Gerais (Brazilian singer). The former, born Mirella Damone Candela, is an Italian pop singer who has released multiple chart-topping albums. The latter, whose real name is Maria Minerva de Jesus Soares, is a Brazilian singer from the state of Minas Gerais known for her distinctive samba style. These are some of the most famous individuals with the first name Mina across various fields.

Variations of the name Mina

The name Mina is of Greek origin, meaning "rebellious" or "person from Minya", an ancient region of Greece. It's also found in various cultures with different meanings, such as "precious jewel" in Arabic and "small" or "bitter" in Finnish and Swedish respectively.

In Hebrew, Mina can be interpreted as a short form for names like Miriam, Minna, or Chaima (Hebrew variation of Amina). In Japanese, it's a unisex name meaning "quiet" or "throat", but more commonly used for girls.

In addition, Mina is a variant of the name Amelia in some languages, particularly Dutch and Afrikaans. It's also a pet form of names like Emilia, Amelie, and Amina, among others, depending on the cultural context. The name is popular across the globe, reflecting its versatility and adaptability to different cultures and languages.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "mina"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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