Minna is a unique and charming name of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word "minni," which means "memory" or "remembrance." This name has been popular among Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland for centuries.
The name Minna was particularly prevalent during the Viking Age (793-1066 AD), where it was often given to girls in honor of their ancestors or to preserve the memory of loved ones who had passed away. This tradition continues today, as many families still choose this name to pay tribute to family members or to keep the memory of a cherished person alive.
Minna has also been used as a diminutive form of other Scandinavian names such as Mini, Minna-Maria, and Mina. These variations have contributed to the spread of the name beyond its original Scandinavian boundaries, making it a familiar choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet approachable name for their daughters.
Despite its long history and popularity in Scandinavia, Minna remains relatively rare outside of these countries. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a unique name that still has a rich historical and cultural background. Whether you're drawn to the meaning behind the name or simply appreciate its distinctive sound, Minna is sure to stand out wherever it's heard.
The name Minna has a fluctuating history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 3093 births registered with the name Minna.
In the late 19th to early 20th centuries, Minna was a relatively popular name, with over 20 births per year occurring annually between 1887 and 1916. The peak of this period came in 1914 when there were 51 births.
However, from the mid-1920s onwards, the popularity of Minna began to decline significantly. Between 1925 and 1960, there were less than 10 births per year on average. This low level of popularity persisted until the late 1970s.
In recent decades, however, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of Minna. From 1987 onwards, the number of annual births with this name has fluctuated between approximately 10 and 40 per year, peaking at 40 births in 2019.
Overall, while Minna may not be one of the most popular names today, it has a rich history of usage in the United States and continues to be chosen for newborns in the present day.