Minna

♀ Girl

Pronounced MIN-ah /ˈmɪn.ɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Germanic minne, 'love'; also a short form of Wilhelmina ('resolute protector'); routes layeredMedium

In 30 seconds: Love, softly: Minna is Germanic for 'love' — and a sweet short form of Wilhelmina. Vintage, gentle, and warm.

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Origin MediumGerman

MeaningFrom Germanic minne, 'love'; also a short form of Wilhelmina ('resolute protector'); routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#4834 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births28 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1916

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,122

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Minna comes from Germanic minne, 'love' (the courtly love of the medieval minnesingers) — and is also a short form of Wilhelmina, 'resolute protector' (routes layered, which we note). A vintage, gentle name across Germany and Scandinavia.

It registers thinly today. Rare, love at the (likely) root, and gentle.

Did you know? Minna means 'love' in old Germanic (minne, courtly love) — and is a sweet short form of Wilhelmina ('resolute protector'); vintage and gentle.

Overall data confidence 70%

Behind the Name — Minna — routes layered

Variations

MinaWilhelminaMinne

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Minna…

Mina— a fellow spelling

Wilhelmina— a name it shortens

Greta— another vintage German name

Jana— a similarly popular pick

Marlena— another German name

Explore names like Minna

By themeuncertain vintage german

By meaningLove Protector

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Minna mean?

Minna is Germanic for 'love', and a short form of Wilhelmina ('resolute protector'); the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Minna?

It's said MIN-ah /ˈmɪn.ɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Minna a boy or girl name?

Minna is a girl's name.

How popular is Minna?

Minna is a rare name in the U.S.