Back to Baby Names

Madina

Girl Name #2,234 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

Named for the radiant city of the Prophet

Arabic Muslim Central Asian African
Spiritual Elegant Traditional Sophisticated Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"city"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
"the radiant city (reference to Medina)"
Origin: Arabic/Islamic
Language: Arabic

The Story of Madina

Madina is derived from the Arabic 'madinah' (مدينة) meaning 'city.' It is specifically associated with Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (The Radiant City), the second holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad emigrated to Medina in 622 CE in what Muslims call the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The city was originally called Yathrib and was renamed Madinat al-Nabi (City of the Prophet) after his arrival.

Madina is widely used as a given name across Muslim communities worldwide, particularly in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan), sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. It is one of the most popular girls' names in Kazakhstan and has significant usage in Senegal and Guinea. Its spiritual significance makes it a meaningful choice for Muslim parents.

Naming a daughter Madina is considered a profound honor in Muslim culture, connecting her to the most sacred city in Islam after Mecca. In Central Asian cultures, particularly Kazakh and Kyrgyz, Madina is especially beloved. The city of Medina represents the early Muslim community, the Companions of the Prophet, and the foundational period of Islamic civilization.

Fun Facts

  • Madina is the #1 or #2 most popular girls' name in Kazakhstan, where it carries both Islamic and cultural significance
  • The original name of Medina was Yathrib; it was renamed 'City of the Prophet' after Muhammad's arrival in 622 CE

Madina in Other Languages

Urdu مدینہ
Arabic مدينة
Kazakh Мәдина
Persian مدینه
Turkish Medine

Famous People Named Madina

M

Madina Nalwanga

Actor

2003

Ugandan actress who starred in the award-winning film 'Queen of Katwe' (2016) alongside Lupita Nyong'o

M

Madina Mammadova

Musician

Azerbaijani classical pianist and music educator

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#2,234
Total SSA Count
84
Cultural Origins
Arabic Muslim Central Asian African
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Madi Dina

Pairs Well With

Madina Noor Madina Fatima Madina Layla Madina Safa Madina Yasmine Madina Hana

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

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

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

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

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Madina

What does the name Madina mean?
"city" (from Arabic). "the radiant city (reference to Medina)" (from Arabic/Islamic). Madina is derived from the Arabic 'madinah' (مدينة) meaning 'city.' It is specifically associated with Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (The Radiant City), the second holiest city in Islam, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad emigrated to Medina in 622 CE in what Muslims call the Hijra, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar. The city was originally called Yathrib and was renamed Madinat al-Nabi (City of the Prophet) after his arrival.
What is the origin of the name Madina?
Madina has Arabic, Arabic/Islamic, Muslim, Central Asian, and African origins. In Arabic, it means "city". In Arabic/Islamic, it means "the radiant city (reference to Medina)".
Is Madina a boy or girl name?
Madina is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Madina?
Madina is currently ranked #2234 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Madina?
Common nicknames for Madina include Madi and Dina.
What are good middle names for Madina?
Popular middle name pairings include Madina Noor, Madina Fatima, Madina Layla, Madina Safa, Madina Yasmine, and Madina Hana.
What are good sibling names for Madina?
Names that pair well with Madina as siblings include Rayaan, Zara, Ibrahim, Amira, Khalid, and Nadia.
How many syllables does Madina have?
Madina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Madina a common or rare name?
Madina is an uncommon name, ranked #2234 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Madina

Madina is a girl name with Arabic, Muslim, Central Asian, and African origins . The name means "city" in Arabic .

Madina is currently ranked #2,234 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Madina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Madina include Madi and Dina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Madina include Madison, Madilyn, Madilynn, Madisson, Madisyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists