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Nina

/NEE-nə/

Nina is a girl name of Slavic origin, meaning Uncertain; several unrelated origins.

  • GenderGirl
  • OriginSlavic
  • StyleModern
  • Syllables2
  • US rank#289

What does Nina mean?

Uncertain; several unrelated origins

Nina has at least four independent origins that converged on the same spelling: a Russian short form of Antonina or Anna, a Spanish word niña meaning "little girl", the name of a Georgian saint, and a Babylonian goddess. No single etymology accounts for it.

The story behind the name

Saint Nino, in Georgian tradition, converted the kingdom of Iberia to Christianity in the fourth century and is one of the very few women credited with converting an entire nation.

The name spread through Russia and Italy in the nineteenth century and into the rest of Europe in the twentieth. Nina Simone, born Eunice Waymon, took the name from the Spanish niña.

Nina works in Russian, Italian, German, Dutch, Spanish and English without adjustment, which is rare and accounts for much of its persistence.

Notable people named Nina

  • Saint Nino of Georgia
  • Nina Simone, musician
  • Nina Hagen, singer

How popular is Nina?

Popularity in the United States

Nina has been given to 129,114 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 1980s. It has held a steady level of use since.

About 1 in 1,768 babies born in the United States were given this name in the most recent year on record.

09481,896188019502020
Babies named Nina per year in the United States, 1880–2020. Source: Social Security Administration

Popularity in France

Nina has been given to 46,596 babies in France since 1900, peaking in the 2010s. It has been climbing over the last two decades.

09761,952190019612022
Babies named Nina per year in France, 1900–2022. Source: INSEE

Popularity in Spain

There are 3,962 people called Nina living in Spain, with an average age of 33.4.

129,114 Babies named since 1880
1980s Peak decade
Steady Recent trend

Variants and related names

Other spellings: Nena, Ninna, Nino

Related names: Anna, Antonina, Mila, Lena

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Frequently asked questions about Nina

What does the name Nina mean?

Nina means Uncertain; several unrelated origins. It is of Slavic origin.

Is Nina a boy's or a girl's name?

Nina is most often given to girls.

How do you pronounce Nina?

Nina is pronounced NEE-nə.

How popular is the name Nina?

Nina has been given to 129,114 babies in the United States since 1880, peaking in the 1980s. It has held a steady level of use since.

What are other spellings of Nina?

Common variants include Nena, Ninna, Nino.