"will, desire (from Wilhelmina)"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
Mina
Pronunciation: [ m-EEN-uh ]
Girl Name
#607 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
One name, five cultures — effortlessly beautiful anywhere
Germanic
Persian
Indian
Japanese
Dutch
Elegant
Gentle
Classic
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"blue glass, enamel, heaven"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian
"fish (sacred symbol)"
Origin: Sanskrit
Language: Hindi
The Story of Mina
Mina is one of those beautiful names that has independently evolved across multiple cultures. In Germanic languages, it is a diminutive of names like Wilhelmina (will + helmet) or Hermina, meaning 'will' or 'desire.' In Persian, Mina (مینا) means 'blue glass' or 'enamel,' and is also a poetic word for the sky or heaven. In Japanese, Mina (美奈) can mean 'beautiful' plus 'apple tree' or 'vegetables.' In Sanskrit/Hindi, Mina means 'fish,' a sacred symbol.
Mina's cross-cultural appeal has made it quietly popular across many countries simultaneously. It's familiar without being common, exotic without being difficult to pronounce. In Europe, it has been in use since the 19th century. In Asia, it has separate traditions that happen to produce the same sound.
Mina Harker (née Murray) is one of the most important female characters in Victorian Gothic literature, appearing in Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' (1897). She is portrayed as both vulnerable and remarkably resourceful, making the name carry literary distinction in English-speaking cultures.
Fun Facts
- Mina Harker is the heroine of Bram Stoker's Dracula, first published in 1897
- In Persian poetry, 'mina' is used metaphorically to describe clear blue skies and fine blue glass
- Mina was among the top 20 names in the Netherlands in 2020
Mina in Other Languages
Dutch
Mina
Hindi
मीना
Arabic
مينا
German
Mina (Wilhelmina)
Persian
مینا
Japanese
美奈
Famous People Named Mina
M
Mina (South Korean singer)
Musician
1997
Japanese-born South Korean singer and member of the K-pop girl group TWICE, known mononymously as Mina
M
Mina Loy
Writer
1882
British-American modernist poet and artist, a leading figure of the early 20th-century avant-garde
M
Mina Harker Fictional
Other
Heroine of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel 'Dracula,' a resourceful and courageous woman who helps defeat Count Dracula
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #607
- Total SSA Count
- 493
- Cultural Origins
- Germanic Persian Indian Japanese Dutch
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mi
Min
Pairs Well With
Mina Rose
Mina Jade
Mina Elise
Mina Suki
Mina Grace
Mina Pearl
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mina is also used as a boy name, ranked #6667.
View Mina as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mina
What does the name Mina mean?
"will, desire (from Wilhelmina)" (from Germanic). "blue glass, enamel, heaven" (from Persian). "fish (sacred symbol)" (from Sanskrit). Mina is one of those beautiful names that has independently evolved across multiple cultures. In Germanic languages, it is a diminutive of names like Wilhelmina (will + helmet) or Hermina, meaning 'will' or 'desire.' In Persian, Mina (مینا) means 'blue glass' or 'enamel,' and is also a poetic word for the sky or heaven. In Japanese, Mina (美奈) can mean 'beautiful' plus 'apple tree' or 'vegetables.' In Sanskrit/Hindi, Mina means 'fish,' a sacred symbol.
What is the origin of the name Mina?
Mina has Germanic, Persian, Sanskrit, Indian, Japanese, and Dutch origins. In Germanic, it means "will, desire (from Wilhelmina)". In Persian, it means "blue glass, enamel, heaven". In Sanskrit, it means "fish (sacred symbol)".
Is Mina a boy or girl name?
Mina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #607. As a boy name, it is ranked #6667. Mina is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mina?
Mina is pronounced m-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Mina?
Mina is currently ranked #607 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mina?
Common nicknames for Mina include Mi and Min.
What are good middle names for Mina?
Popular middle name pairings include Mina Rose, Mina Jade, Mina Elise, Mina Suki, Mina Grace, and Mina Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Mina?
Names that pair well with Mina as siblings include Nora, Lena, Hana, Theo, Kenji, and Luca.
How many syllables does Mina have?
Mina has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Mina a common or rare name?
Mina is moderately common, ranked #607 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Mina
Mina is a girl name with Germanic, Persian, Indian, Japanese, and Dutch origins . The name means "will, desire (from Wilhelmina)" in Germanic .
Is Mina a boy or girl name? Mina is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #607 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,667. Mina is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mina is currently ranked #607 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mina has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-EEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Mina include Mi and Min. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mina include Minha, Mindy, Minerva, Minnie, Minna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.