Rising since 1990, #3,712 for girls today.
Popularity of Meena since 1965
Babies named Meena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2008, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Meena's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 17 |
| 1970s | 115 |
| 1980s | 149 |
| 1990s | 230 |
| 2000s | 419 |
| 2010s | 392 |
| 2020s | 258 |
Meaning & origin
Meena is a name of Sanskrit origin, meaning 'fish'. While it has ancient roots in Indian culture, its use in the United States has been steadily climbing since 1990, reflecting growing interest in multicultural names. In 2025, it ranked 3712 nationwide, with 1 in approximately 40,182 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year in popularity so far was 2023, and it is most common in California. The name carries a soft, melodic sound and is often seen as a shortened form of Meenakshi. Its rising trajectory suggests it may continue to gain favor among parents seeking a name that is both traditional and distinctive.
Meena derives from Sanskrit मीन (mīna) meaning 'fish'. It is a common name in India, often associated with the Hindu goddess Meenakshi, whose name means 'fish-eyed' (a term for beautiful eyes). The name is also linked to the Minar script and has been used across South Asia for centuries.
Where Meena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Meena” around the world
Where Meena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mini, Mina, Minu
Sibling names for Meena
Names that share Meena's style, for a brother or sister.
