Minta

♀ Girl

Pronounced MIN-tuh /ˈmɪn.tə/High

Meaning: Minta is a vintage short form of Araminta, an elegant name coined in 18th-century English theater (possibly blending Aminta and Arabella). The clipped 'Minta' was used on its own, and its sound naturally suggests the fresh herb mint, giving it a light, garden-fresh charm.Medium

In 30 seconds: Minta is a vintage short form of Araminta, an 18th-century literary name, with a fresh nod to the herb mint. It reads as an antique, turn-of-the-century choice.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningMinta is a vintage short form of Araminta, an elegant name coined in 18th-century English theater (possibly blending Aminta and Arabella). The clipped 'Minta' was used on its own, and its sound naturally suggests the fresh herb mint, giving it a light, garden-fresh charm.

U.S. rank (1993)#11361 ↗ Rising

1993 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,283

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

Minta is a pet form of Araminta, a graceful coinage that appeared in 17th- and 18th-century English drama, possibly from blending Aminta with Arabella. Used as a stand-alone name, Minta also chimes with the herb mint, and it belonged to the pool of dainty, old-fashioned girls' names common in the late 1800s.

It was a genuine early-1900s name, cresting around 1921 with only a couple dozen girls a year and thinning across the century until it all but vanished. Someone named Minta at that peak would be a great-grandmother today; the name reads as firmly vintage, though its light 'mint' sound could suit the current revival of herb-and-garden names.

Did you know? Araminta - the fuller name behind Minta - was Harriet Tubman's birth name, and it began as an invented name in Restoration-era English plays.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Araminta / Minta — 18th-c. literary coinage; short form Minta

Variations

AramintaMintyMinnieMintie

Nicknames

MintyMin

Famous Bearers

★Minta Durfee (1889–1975)
American silent-film comedienne (born Araminta Durfee) who appeared opposite early screen comics.

If you like Minta…

Araminta— the elegant full name Minta shortens

Minnie— a related vintage pet form of similar sound

Wilhelmina— another antique name with a clipped everyday form

Ramona— a vintage girl's name of the same early-century era

Explore names like Minta

By themevintage nature short-form

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Minta mean?

Minta is a short form of Araminta, an 18th-century coined name, also suggesting the herb mint.

How do you pronounce Minta?

It's said MIN-tuh /ˈmɪn.tə/, two syllables.

Is Minta a boy or girl name?

Minta is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Minta?

Minta is a vintage rarity, most seen in the early twentieth century and scarce ever since.