Ina

Pronunciation: [ EEN-uh ]

Girl Name #2,639 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A quietly elegant classic spanning continents

Scandinavian Germanic Slavic Polynesian English

Vintage Classic Elegant Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"pure, holy (Latin diminutive suffix used as name)"

Origin: Latin

Language: Latin

"from Ing, Norse deity of fertility"

Origin: Old Norse

Language: Old Norse

"moon goddess (Polynesian)"

Origin: Polynesian

Language: Maori/Hawaiian

The Story of Ina

Ina has several independent origins. In Latin, -ina is a feminine diminutive suffix used to create names like Carolina and Cristina — when used alone, Ina functions as a complete name meaning pure or holy (cognate with Agnes). In Old Norse, Ina may derive from Ing or Ingrid, referencing the Norse deity Ing/Ingvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. In Polynesian tradition, Ina is a moon goddess, central to creation mythology across Pacific Island cultures.

Ina was a popular given name in Scandinavian and Germanic countries from the 19th century through the mid-20th century. In America, it peaked in the early 1900s. It remains best known today through Ina Garten, whose cooking show and bestselling cookbooks brought the name back into public consciousness.

In Polynesian mythology, Ina (or Hina) is one of the most important deities — a moon goddess who navigated the Pacific, bringing light and civilization. In Germanic countries, Ina has centuries of use as both a standalone name and a nickname for longer names ending in -ina.

Fun Facts

In Polynesian mythology, Ina is a moon goddess and great navigator who paddled a canoe across the Pacific
Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, is one of the most successful cookbook authors in American history

Ina in Other Languages

Danish Ina

German Ina

Japanese イーナ

Norwegian Ina

Polynesian Ina/Hina

Famous People Named Ina

Ina Garten

Other

1948

American cookbook author and television personality known as the Barefoot Contessa

Ina Balin

Actor

1937

American film actress and humanitarian known for her roles in 1960s Hollywood films and her charity work in Vietnam

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,639
Total SSA Count: 66
Cultural Origins: Scandinavian Germanic Slavic Polynesian English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Inaya #760 Inara #1342 Inayah #1644 Inaaya #2378 Inari #4249

Pairs Well With

Ina Rose Ina Marie Ina Grace Ina Louise Ina Kate Ina Pearl

Sibling Names

Eva Ada Otto Lars Vera Ilse

Also a Boy Name

Ina is also used as a boy name, ranked #32983.

View Ina as a boy name →

Similar Names

Leona Nina Mina Lina Regina Lenna Magdalena Tina

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Ina and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Ina sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Ina

What does the name Ina mean?

"pure, holy (Latin diminutive suffix used as name)" (from Latin). "from Ing, Norse deity of fertility" (from Old Norse). "moon goddess (Polynesian)" (from Polynesian). Ina has several independent origins. In Latin, -ina is a feminine diminutive suffix used to create names like Carolina and Cristina — when used alone, Ina functions as a complete name meaning pure or holy (cognate with Agnes). In Old Norse, Ina may derive from Ing or Ingrid, referencing the Norse deity Ing/Ingvi, associated with fertility and prosperity. In Polynesian tradition, Ina is a moon goddess, central to creation mythology across Pacific Island cultures.

What is the origin of the name Ina?

Ina has Latin, Old Norse, Polynesian, Scandinavian, Germanic, Slavic, and English origins. In Latin, it means "pure, holy (Latin diminutive suffix used as name)". In Old Norse, it means "from Ing, Norse deity of fertility". In Polynesian, it means "moon goddess (Polynesian)".

Is Ina a boy or girl name?

Ina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2639. As a boy name, it is ranked #32983. Ina is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Ina?

Ina is pronounced EEN-uh.

How popular is the name Ina?

Ina is currently ranked #2639 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are good middle names for Ina?

Popular middle name pairings include Ina Rose, Ina Marie, Ina Grace, Ina Louise, Ina Kate, and Ina Pearl.

What are good sibling names for Ina?

Names that pair well with Ina as siblings include Eva, Ada, Otto, Lars, Vera, and Ilse.

How many syllables does Ina have?

Ina has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Ina a common or rare name?

Ina is an uncommon name, ranked #2639 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Ina

Ina is a girl name with Scandinavian, Germanic, Slavic, Polynesian, and English origins . The name means "pure, holy (Latin diminutive suffix used as name)" in Latin .

Is Ina a boy or girl name? Ina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,639 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #32,983. Ina is more commonly used as a girl name.

Ina is currently ranked #2,639 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Ina has 2 syllables and is pronounced EEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Alternative spellings of Ina include Inaya, Inara, Inayah, Inaaya, Inari . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Ina