MallowbyNames

Bina

בִּינָהBEE-nuh · Of uncertain origin; may derive from Hebrew meaning "understanding" or be a short form of names ending in -bina.

2025 rank (girls)
#5,410
Babies named in 2025
23
Peak popularity
1885
2025 frequency
1 in 69,881 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1999

A 1880s favorite, climbing again.

Popularity of Bina since 1881

Babies named Bina per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2019, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Bina's real moment was 1885.

112334192019602000Most births 2019Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s52
1890s66
1900s64
1910s108
1920s127
1930s69
1940s55
1950s49
1960s38
1970s76
1980s98
1990s73
2000s114
2010s192
2020s107

Meaning & origin

The name Bina has a long but quiet history in American baby naming. It first appeared on U.S. records in 1881, and reached its peak popularity in 1885, early in its recorded use. After declining for much of the 20th century, Bina has been on a rising trajectory since 1999, suggesting a mild revival. Its rarity today is reflected in its 2025 rank of 5,410, with only about 1 in every 69,881 newborns receiving the name. The name was most frequently documented in the state of New York during its early decades, hinting at a possible immigrant or urban root. While its meaning is uncertain, it may derive from Hebrew "binah" or serve as a short form of other names, making it a concise and distinctive choice for modern parents drawn to short, vowel-ending names.

Bina likely originates as a feminine given name from Hebrew, where it means "understanding" or "knowledge" (from binah). It is also used as a short form of names like Sabina or Albinia, especially in English-speaking contexts. The name saw modest use in the late 19th century in the United States, possibly influenced by these longer forms.

Where Bina is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Sibling names for Bina

Names that share Bina's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mina, Lena, Dina, Nina, Tina

Brothers: Leo, Joel, Eli, Noah, Jude

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

B is for Bina, our favorite little girl.

B is for Bina…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Bina's letter becomes Bina's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Bina's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Bina mean?
Bina is believed to come from Hebrew, meaning "understanding" or "knowledge." However, its exact origin is uncertain.
How popular is the name Bina?
In the latest year with data (2025), it ranked 5,410 in the U.S., with about 1 in 69,881 baby girls given the name.
Is Bina a boy or girl name?
Bina is typically used as a girl's name.