Amina
Amina Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈʔaː.mi.na/
Meaning of Amina: Amina derives from the Arabic root amn, which carries the meaning of safety, security, and trustworthiness. The feminine form Amina or Aminah translates directly as trustworthy, faithful, or honest - a core moral virtue in Islamic tradition that made the name highly desirable across Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities worldwide.
The most significant historical bearer is Aminah bint Wahb (c. 549-577 CE), the mother of the Prophet Muhammad. Her early death gave her name deep spiritual resonance in Islamic culture, ensuring its transmission across generations and across the geographic spread of the Muslim world.
Amina entered African naming through the spread of Islam across North Africa, the Sahel, and sub-Saharan regions from the 7th century onward. The name is now common in Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, and Wolof - making it one of the most geographically widespread feminine names in the world.
What Does Amina Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Amina first appeared in US birth figures in 1943, reflecting early Muslim and African immigrant communities. The name reached rank 271 in 2017, its highest SSA position as of 2024, with 1,179 births. By 2024 Amina ranked 307 for girls with 1,000 births.
In American naming, Amina is used primarily within Muslim, African, and African-American communities, though it has gained broader appeal as cross-cultural naming has increased. The name's clean sound - three syllables, ending in -a - aligns with contemporary American preferences for melodic, international-origin names.
For etymology and geographic distribution, see etymology records. US popularity records going back to 1943 are at ssa.gov.
How Popular Is Amina?
Numerology & Symbolism of Amina
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Amina – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Amina
What does the name Amina mean?
The name Amina carries roots in African and reflects the naming values of that cultural tradition. The precise meaning connects to concepts meaningful in its source language and culture.
How popular is the name Amina in the United States?
According to SSA records, Amina ranked #307 for girl names in the United States, with 1,000 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2017. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Amina come from?
The name Amina comes from African. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of African-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.