"harbor, port"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Mena
Pronunciation: [ m-EEN-uh ]
Does Mena flow with your last name?
A graceful name loved from Egypt to Amsterdam
Arabic
Dutch
German
Egyptian
Elegant
Minimalist
Modern
Gentle
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"strong protector, beloved"
Origin: Germanic (diminutive)
Language: German
"love, affection"
Origin: Persian/Urdu usage
Language: Persian
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The Story of Mena
Mena has multiple cultural origins, giving it remarkable cross-cultural depth. In Arabic, Mena (or Mina) means 'harbor' or 'port,' and is associated with the holy city near Mecca. In Germanic languages, it's a diminutive of Wilhelmina or Philomena, meaning 'strong protector' or 'beloved friend.' In Egyptian culture, Mena was an ancient pharaoh (Menes) credited with unifying Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BC.
Mena has been rising as parents seek short, elegant names that work across multiple cultures. Actress Mena Suvari brought visibility to the name in English-speaking countries in the late 1990s and 2000s. Its simplicity and multicultural appeal make it increasingly popular.
In Islamic tradition, Mina is a sacred valley near Mecca where millions of pilgrims gather during Hajj. In Egyptian history, Mena/Menes was the legendary first pharaoh who united Egypt — making this a name with both spiritual and regal significance across multiple cultures.
Historical Record
Mena first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,244 babies have been named Mena in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mena is past its peak , currently ranked #5,913 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mina/Mena is one of the holy sites of Islam where the Hajj ritual of stoning the devil takes place
- Menes, the ancient Egyptian pharaoh bearing this name's origin, is credited with inventing writing and record-keeping
Mena in Other Languages
Dutch
Mena
Arabic
مينا
German
Mena
Spanish
Mena
Japanese
メナ
Popularity Over Time
#5,913
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2008
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mena
M
Mena Massoud
Actor
1992
Canadian actor of Egyptian descent who starred as Aladdin in the 2019 Disney live-action film
M
Mena Suvari
Actor
1979
American actress known for American Beauty and American Pie
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Compare Mena with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,913
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Dutch German Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, modern style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mena
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Mena is also used as a boy name, ranked #15017.
View Mena as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mena
What does the name Mena mean?
"harbor, port" (from Arabic). "strong protector, beloved" (from Germanic (diminutive)). "love, affection" (from Persian/Urdu usage). Mena has multiple cultural origins, giving it remarkable cross-cultural depth. In Arabic, Mena (or Mina) means 'harbor' or 'port,' and is associated with the holy city near Mecca. In Germanic languages, it's a diminutive of Wilhelmina or Philomena, meaning 'strong protector' or 'beloved friend.' In Egyptian culture, Mena was an ancient pharaoh (Menes) credited with unifying Upper and Lower Egypt around 3100 BC.
What is the origin of the name Mena?
Mena has Arabic, Germanic (diminutive), Persian/Urdu usage, Dutch, German, and Egyptian origins. In Arabic, it means "harbor, port". In Germanic (diminutive), it means "strong protector, beloved". In Persian/Urdu usage, it means "love, affection".
Is Mena a boy or girl name?
Mena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5913. As a boy name, it is ranked #15017. Mena is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mena?
Mena is pronounced m-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Mena?
Mena is currently ranked #5913 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Mena?
Popular middle name pairings include Mena Rose, Mena Grace, Mena Claire, Mena Sophia, Mena Louise, Mena Jane, and Mena Laine.
What are good sibling names for Mena?
Names that pair well with Mena as siblings include Nina, Lena, Cleo, Zara, Nadia, Leo, and Theo.
How many syllables does Mena have?
Mena has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mena a common or rare name?
Mena is an uncommon name, ranked #5913 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Mena
Mena is a girl name with Arabic, Dutch, German, and Egyptian origins . The name means "harbor, port" in Arabic .
Is Mena a boy or girl name? Mena is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,913 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #15,017. Mena is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mena is currently ranked #5,913 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mena has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis