Nina
Nina is a girl name of Spanish, Russian origin meaning “Little girl, dreamer”, pronounced NEE-nuh. It ranked #324 in the United States in 2025, given to 946 babies, and peaked at #115 in 1887. Common nicknames: Ni, Nini.
How popular is Nina in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Nina mean, and where does it come from?
Nina has multiple origins and meanings depending on the culture. In Spanish, it derives from "niña" meaning "little girl." In Russian and other Slavic languages, it is a short form of names ending in "-nina" such as Antonina. In the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian traditions, Nina (or Ninâ) was the name of the goddess of the city of Nineveh. The name also appears in Georgian culture, where Saint Nina (Nino) is credited with bringing Christianity to Georgia in the 4th century. Its brevity and international appeal have made Nina a perennial favourite.
How is Nina used around the world?
Nina is used in 10 languages worldwide, with 3+ international variants.
Male FormNino
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Nina?
Famous People Named Nina
- Nina Simone — American singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist
- Nina Dobrev — Bulgarian-Canadian actress known for The Vampire Diaries
- Nina Hagen — German punk rock singer and actress
Similar Names to Nina
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Sibling Name Ideas for Nina
Looking for names that pair well with Nina? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Nina mean?
Nina is a girl name of Spanish, Russian origin meaning "Little girl, dreamer." Nina has multiple origins and meanings depending on the culture. In Spanish, it derives from "niña" meaning "little girl.
How do you pronounce Nina?
Nina is pronounced NEE-nuh. Common variations include Nena, Nyna, Ninette.
Is Nina a girl name?
Yes, Nina is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ni, Nini.