Minnie is a charming and unique feminine given name with an interesting history and meaning behind it. The name originates from the Germanic name Minna, which means "loved" or "dear". It also has roots in the name Wilhelmina, which is composed of two elements: wilhelmus, meaning "resolute protection", and mina, meaning "favorite".
The name Minnie was popularized by the famous cartoon character Minnie Mouse, created by Walt Disney in 1928. However, the name had been used prior to this in literature, such as in Mark Twain's novel "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" where a character named Mary Jane, also known as Minnie, appears.
The name Minnie has been associated with various cultures throughout history. In some parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia, it was used as a short form for Wilhelmina or other similar names. In the United States, it became more popular after the release of Walt Disney's "Steamboat Willie" cartoon featuring Minnie Mouse.
In terms of popularity, Minnie has not been as widely used as some other names, which gives it a certain uniqueness and charm. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Minnie ranked #942 in 2019 for female baby names, showing that while it's not extremely common, it is still a recognized and loved name.
In conclusion, Minnie is a delightful feminine given name with origins rooted in Germanic culture and meaning connected to love and favoritism. Its popularity has been influenced by various factors throughout history, including its use in literature and popular culture, particularly through the beloved character Minnie Mouse. Despite not being as commonly used as some other names, Minnie maintains a unique and endearing quality that continues to appeal to parents and name enthusiasts alike.
The name Minnie peaked in popularity between 1880 and 1924, with over 2700 births recorded each year during this period. The highest number of births was in 1915, with 3270 babies named Minnie. However, after the 1920s, the popularity of the name began to decline significantly. By the 1950s, fewer than 600 babies were named Minnie each year, and by the 1980s, this number had fallen below 100. In recent years, the name has become quite rare, with fewer than 75 births per year since 2007. Overall, there have been a total of 159161 births recorded for the name Minnie from 1880 to 2023.